How Long Do Termites Live After They Swarm?
WouterTermites swarm to find a new home. They build new colonies near a food source or a light source. They may also enter your home through open windows or doors. If you see a swarm, there’s a good chance you have a termite infestation. If you have a swarm, you can take preventative measures, schedule a free termite inspection, and learn about termite treatment options.
The life cycle of a termite begins with mating flight. After mating, the reproductives (king and queen) leave the nest and start a new colony. They also lay eggs that develop into workers.
A swarm of termites is formed when winged reproductives from the colony leave the nest. These reproductives are called alates. During a swarm, the alates fly for seconds and then break their wings. A single swarm is usually a small part of a colony.
Termite swarms occur during the early spring months. They are caused by moisture and humidity. If the environment is too dry, the swarm will die quickly. It is important to have your yard drained. It is also a good idea to keep your gutters clear and make sure they are flowing away from the house.
Depending on the size of the colony, a swarm can happen several times in a year. If a swarm is large, it can last for several days. This is one reason why swarms are often detected too late.
In some cases, the swarmers are only found as dead insects. The dead swarmers are left on the surface of the wood. They are also commonly found on the window sills or on the furniture.
