When a cloud of winged insects appears suddenly in or around a home, the immediate question is often whether they pose a personal threat. Flying termites—known as alates or swarmers—do not bite humans or pets. These insects are the reproductive caste of a termite colony and are physically incapable of causing harm, as they lack the large mandibles found on soldier termites. Their focus is solely on reproduction, meaning the only true danger they represent is to the wood structure of the building itself.
Understanding the Termite Swarmer
The swarmer is a sexually mature adult whose purpose is to leave the existing colony, mate, and establish a new one. Unlike worker or soldier termites, which are blind and remain hidden, alates are equipped with eyes and wings for their single flight. This dispersal event, known as swarming, is typically triggered by high humidity and warm temperatures, often occurring after a heavy rain.
Termite swarms are a natural mechanism for colony expansion, pushing reproductive members out of a dense population to found new territories. Once environmental cues are right, thousands of these winged insects emerge from their nest, often attracted to light sources like windows and lamps. This flight serves as the most visible evidence of a hidden termite problem.
Flying Termite vs. Flying Ant
Correctly identifying these winged insects is important, as flying termites are frequently mistaken for flying ants, which also swarm. The most reliable way to differentiate them is by inspecting three distinct physical features. Termite swarmers have two pairs of wings that are nearly equal in size and significantly longer than their body, while flying ants have a front pair of wings that is noticeably larger than the hind pair.
Differences are also visible in the insect’s body structure and antennae. Flying termites have a broad, straight waist where the thorax and abdomen connect, giving them a uniform appearance. In contrast, flying ants possess a distinctly pinched or narrow waist. Finally, termites have straight, bead-like antennae, whereas flying ants have antennae that are bent or “elbowed.”
The True Threat of Swarmers
The presence of swarmers is a clear indication that a mature termite colony is established nearby, which is the actual cause for concern. A colony must be several years old and well-populated before it can produce the thousands of alates necessary for a swarm. Whether the swarm originates from an existing infestation in the structure or from a neighboring property, the risk is immediate.
After their brief flight, the male and female swarmers land, shed their wings, and pair up to search for a suitable location to begin a new nest. These newly mated pairs, now referred to as king and queen, will attempt to bore into soil or wood to establish their new colony. Discarded wings, often found scattered on windowsills or near light fixtures, are a major red flag, signifying that the reproductive termites have successfully landed and are actively trying to tunnel into the structure. Pencil-thin mud tubes extending from the ground may also be noticed around the time of a swarm.
Immediate Steps After Finding Flying Termites
If you discover flying termites indoors, physically remove them without relying on chemical sprays. You can use a vacuum cleaner to safely collect the swarmers or simply sweep them up. Using insecticides on the visible swarmers is ineffective because it only eliminates a small fraction of the reproductive caste and does nothing to address the vast, hidden colony from which they emerged.
The appearance of swarmers demands swift action to protect your property. Contact a professional pest control service immediately. An expert inspection is necessary to locate the source colony, determine the extent of the infestation, and implement a targeted treatment plan to prevent significant structural damage.