How Do Termites Come and Go?
WouterTermite swarms are one of the most common signs of an infestation. These winged termites gather together to mate and to start a new colony. These swarms can occur indoors or outdoors. The swarmers are often attracted to sunlight and sound.
The swarms may contain hundreds or thousands of insects. Swarming usually takes place during the spring and summer months. They can be very destructive. They can damage buildings and break into vehicles. If you are concerned about termites, it is best to contact a professional pest control service.
During this time, the main colony grower, the queen, produces millions of eggs. The king and queen take care of the larvae until they are mature enough to help the colony.
Swarms happen when the colony reaches its capacity. The swarmers are carried off by wind currents. They will look for openings in the soil. Once the opening is large enough, they will build a nest. These swarmers will live in the soil until the conditions are right to start a new colony.
When the weather warms up, the mating ritual begins. The swarmers are only a few seconds old when they fly. They don’t fly well, so they don’t survive very long.
The winged adults are called Alates. These are the only reproductive termites that can fly. They have one purpose, and that is to find a good location to start a new colony.
The Alates swarm outside, because they need more moisture to survive. They die when they are dehydrated.
