When you hear the term “termite swarm,” it’s not exactly a comforting thought. A termite swarm is a cluster of winged termites flying together, usually during warmer, humid conditions. The winged termites, known as alates, leave their current nest to reproduce and establish new colonies elsewhere.
Swarming insects can be unnerving, but termites are especially worrisome. If you spot a swarm on your property, there’s a strong chance termites have already taken up residence nearby.
Let’s break down how to recognize termite swarms, what they mean, and who to call if you see one.
How to Identify a Termite Swarm
Termite swarms are always on the move, looking for a fresh location to start a colony. You can recognize a swarm by the following characteristics:
- Swarm size: Often includes dozens or even hundreds of termites in flight.
- Appearance: Winged termites are dark brown or black, depending on the species.
- Body size: Each termite measures about ¼ to ½ inch long, wings included.
- Wings: Two pairs of delicate, almost identical wings, clear or slightly milky in color. These often fall off shortly after landing.
- Timing: Most swarms appear after rain, usually in the spring or early summer when the weather is warm and moist.
Different Types of Termite Swarms
Not all termite swarms are the same. Recognizing the type by species can help determine the risk level and best response:
- Dampwood Termite Swarms: These termites typically swarm in late summer or early fall. They prefer damp, decaying wood and don’t need soil contact to build their nests. As a result, they often settle in water-damaged wood inside homes, especially around leaking pipes, bathrooms, window frames, or other areas with persistent moisture.
- Subterranean Termite Swarms: More aggressive and destructive, subterranean termites usually swarm in the spring. These pests require direct contact with soil and often enter homes through foundation cracks or wood-to-soil contact points. Once inside, they can cause extensive structural damage before homeowners even realize they’re there.
Effective Termite Solutions for Homes in Spokane WA & Coeur d’Alene ID
If you’ve spotted a termite swarm in or around your home, it’s not just a nuisance, it’s a warning sign that a larger infestation may already be underway. Termites can cause extensive and costly damage before most homeowners even realize they’re present. That’s why early detection and expert intervention are crucial.
At Eden Advanced Pest Technologies, our trained technicians are equipped to identify, assess, and eliminate termite threats before they escalate.
Contact us today for a thorough termite inspection and start protecting your property from the ground up.
Back to Termite Exterminators & Control