Termite Swarms – Why Do Termites Swarm?
WouterThere are some important factors to understand about termite swarms. They are the first step of termites’ life cycle. The main purpose of swarming is to find a suitable place for building a new colony. It is also a way of reminding people that termites are present.
Termites swarm during spring and summer. In some species, swarms are natural mating events. The weather can play a role in triggering these swarms. Termites swarm when rain falls or when the temperature rises.
Subterranean termites, drywood termites, and other termites with wings may swarm. Typically, these swarmers are the reproductive caste of the colony, known as Alates.
Swarmers are found in both the outdoors and inside homes. They are usually dead, but some swarmers can live as long as a decade. If a swarm of flying termites is found, open all windows and doors to prevent them from entering your home.
If you see termites swarming, you can identify the types of swarmers by the colour of their wings. Winged swarming termites emerge from the soil through swarm tubes made by worker termites. If you don’t know the type of swarming termite, you can collect the dead ones for identification by a pest control service.
The reproductive caste of termites, known as Alates, only have wings. The male and female alates leave the nest to start a new colony. They will lose their wings once they mate.
Termites that swarm are not good fliers. They can only fly for a few minutes at a time.
