What Does it Mean When Termites Swarm?
Termites swarm is an important part of the life cycle of termite colonies. During certain times of the year, termites release hundreds or thousands of swarmers into the environment. They then go searching for a new nesting site. The amount of swarmers produced depends on the species.
There are two main types of swarmers. The first is the alates. These are reproductive members of a termite colony. They reside in soil near the surface of the nest. They do not bite or sting.
Swarmers can also be paired with a mate. They will leave the colony when conditions are right to establish a new one. This usually happens during the spring, when the weather is warm and moist.
A termite swarm can appear in a variety of places, but is most often seen indoors. They can be mistaken for mosquitoes or flying insects.
When termites swarm, they are searching for a new home. They may enter your home through the windows, through an open door, or even through the cracks in a wall. If you find swarmers on your windows, it is highly probable that the termites came from an underground colony nearby.
The number of swarmers varies, depending on the species and size of the colony. Some colonies produce hundreds, while others produce only a few.
If you have swarming termites, be sure to keep the area around your home clean. Swarmers can die in your yard, on your window sills, and on the open ground.