Termite Swarm Alerts & Timing

Swarming Explained

A swarm is the mass emergence of winged reproductive termites (alates) from a mature colony. These winged termites leave the nest to mate and establish new colonies.

Why termites swarm:

• Colony reproduction and expansion
• Occurs when colony reaches maturity (3-5 years old)
• Triggered by environmental conditions
• Natural part of termite life cycle

What happens during a swarm:

• Hundreds to thousands of winged termites emerge
• Usually lasts 30-40 minutes
• Swarmers fly short distances (usually under 100 yards)
• Males and females pair up
• Wings shed after landing
• Paired termites seek suitable nesting site

Southeast (FL, GA, SC, AL, MS, LA)

Subterranean termites: February-May (peak: March-April)

Formosan termites: May-June (peak: late May)

Drywood termites: Year-round, peak late summer/fall

Triggers: Warm, humid days after rain, typically 70°F+

Southwest (CA, AZ, NM, TX)

Subterranean termites: March-May

Drywood termites (CA): September-November

Desert termites: After monsoon rains (July-September)

Triggers: First warm days after rain, evening swarms common

Mid-Atlantic & Northeast (VA-NY)

Subterranean termites: March-May (peak: April)

Triggers: Warm spring days (70°F+) after rain

Time: Usually midday to afternoon

Midwest (OH, IL, IN, MI, WI)

Subterranean termites: April-June (peak: May)

Triggers: First consistently warm days, after rain

Time: Afternoon, when temperature peaks

Pacific Northwest (WA, OR)

Dampwood termites: August-October

Subterranean termites: April-May

Triggers: Warm, humid days

Time: Late afternoon/evening

Environmental Conditions

Temperature:

• Subterranean: 70-80°F optimal
• Formosan: 75-85°F
• Drywood: 70-90°F
• Dampwood: 65-75°F

Humidity:

• High humidity (60%+) preferred
• Often after rain (raises humidity)
• Overcast days common

Barometric pressure:

• Swarms often follow pressure changes
• After storm systems pass

Time of day:

• Subterranean: Midday to afternoon
• Formosan: Dusk (attracted to lights)
• Drywood: Afternoon to evening
• Dampwood: Late afternoon/evening

What You'll See

During the swarm:

• Dozens to thousands of winged insects
• Emerging from ground, wood, or structure
• Flying in somewhat disorganized manner
• Attracted to light (especially Formosan)
• Lasts 30-40 minutes typically

After the swarm:

• Piles of discarded wings near windows, doors
• Wings on windowsills, porches, patios
• Dead swarmers on ground
• Paired termites seeking shelter

Termite Swarm vs Ant Swarm

Termite swarmers:

• Straight, beaded antennae
• Four equal-length wings
• Thick waist (no pinch)
• Light to dark brown/black
• Poor fliers, weak flight

Flying ant swarmers:

• Bent (elbowed) antennae
• Two pairs of unequal wings
• Pinched waist
• Usually black or red
• Strong, purposeful flight

Detailed comparison: Termites vs Ants

Swarm Inside Your Home

What it indicates:

• Mature colony (3-5+ years old) in or near structure
• Colony is thriving and reproducing
• Significant infestation likely present
• Immediate professional inspection needed

Common emergence points:

• Baseboards and floor joints
• Window and door frames
• Ceiling fixtures
• Wall voids
• Attic spaces

Swarm Outside Near Your Home

What it indicates:

• Colony within 100-300 feet of your home
• Could be in yard, neighbor's property, or nearby trees
• Your property may be at risk
• Preventive inspection recommended

Risk factors:

• Wood-to-soil contact on your property
• Moisture issues
• Mulch or wood debris near foundation
• Older home or previous termite history

Swarm in General Area

What it indicates:

• Termites active in your region
• Normal seasonal swarming
• Not necessarily targeting your property
• Good reminder to maintain prevention

Immediate Actions

1. Document the swarm:

• Take photos or video
• Note date, time, location
• Observe where swarmers are emerging from
• Collect a few specimens (in jar or plastic bag)

2. Preserve evidence:

• Collect discarded wings
• Save dead swarmers for identification
• Don't clean up immediately (inspector should see)

3. Contain indoor swarms:

• Vacuum up swarmers (don't crush them)
• Close windows and doors
• Turn off unnecessary lights (reduces attraction)
• Don't spray pesticides (won't help, may interfere with inspection)

4. Schedule inspection:

• Contact professional immediately
• Request inspection within 1-2 days
• Provide photos and specimens
• Describe emergence location

Common Mistakes

• Don't ignore it: Swarms indicate mature colonies causing ongoing damage
• Don't spray pesticides: Won't eliminate colony, may drive termites deeper
• Don't assume they'll go away: Colony remains even after swarm ends
• Don't wait for more signs: Swarm IS the sign to act
• Don't DIY treat: Professional treatment needed for colonies
• Don't panic: Swarms are alarming but treatable

What Happens Next

Natural outcomes:

• Most swarmers die (poor survival rate)
• Few successfully establish new colonies
• Original colony continues activity
• May swarm again next season

Your action plan:

• Professional inspection within days
• Treatment if infestation confirmed
• Preventive measures even if no infestation found
• Monitor for future swarms
• Annual inspections going forward

Why Most Swarmers Fail

• Predation: Birds, spiders, other insects eat swarmers
• Desiccation: Dry out before finding suitable site
• Poor pairing: Don't find mate
• Unsuitable habitat: Can't find good nesting location
• Competition: Other termite colonies already present

Success rate: Less than 1% of swarmers establish successful colonies

However: With thousands swarming, even 1% means potential new colonies

Why You Might See Multiple Swarms

• Multiple colonies: Several colonies in area swarming
• Different species: Subterranean and drywood swarm at different times
• Staggered emergence: Same colony swarms over several days
• Neighboring properties: Swarms from nearby infestations

Reducing Swarm Attraction

You can't prevent swarms, but you can reduce attraction to your home:

• Keep exterior lights off during swarm season evenings
• Use yellow "bug lights" instead of white lights
• Close windows and doors during swarm season
• Repair screens to prevent entry
• Seal cracks and gaps in foundation
• Maintain preventive treatment

Staying Informed

How to track swarm activity in your area:

• Local pest control companies often post alerts
• University extension offices track activity
• Neighborhood social media groups report sightings
• Weather patterns predict swarm timing

Typical warning signs:

• Warm day (70°F+) after rain
• High humidity
• Appropriate season for your region
• Neighbors reporting swarms