Here's What You Need to Learn About Termite Swarming Season

A termite swarm is a large number of winged termites also known as alates that leave their current colony to start new colonies. The alates will begin to explore new areas by moving together in large numbers. It can be quite overwhelming to see a termite colony in person if you've never experienced one.

Alates don't consume the cellulose in wood but they may choose to make a home on your property. Termites could soon begin feasting on your house if they do. A termite swarm is one-way homeowners might be alerted about the presence of termites.

What do termite-swarmers look and feel like?

They measure about 1 inch in length and are dark in color. They also have two pairs of equal-sized wings. While flying ants might look similar to termites in appearance, there are several key differences. Termites don't have a tight waist while ants do. Termite wings have a uniform size, while ant wings do not. You won't be able to tell the difference if termite swarmers appear in large numbers. Any sizable termite swarm should be dealt with as soon as possible. You should take a look at our guide on the differences between flying and termite-swarmers.

Why do termites swarm so often?

Termites swarm when they are ready to expand and seek new food sources. Termite colonies generally only grow once per year. Once they have found a suitable place to settle down, the termites will cease swarming. As they age, the wings of alates will drop and they will begin to mate to start a new colony.

When does termite swarm?

It can vary from one species to the next, but termite swarming seasons are usually in late winter and early spring. If you are concerned about termite activity in March, this is usually the month you should be watching. There is no one time or specific formula that will predict termite swarming season, but there are some things you can do.

Is swarming different from termite season?

Yes. Yes. If termites are already present, it is likely they are damaging your property by eating any wood they can find. Termite activity doesn't necessarily depend on the season in which they are swarming. Termites can be considered all-season pests.

Are there different types?

The three common termite species that are most commonly found in the US include dry wood termites and Formosan termites. While each termite type has its own swarming patterns and swarming habits, they all tend to swarm following a rainstorm.