What Time of Year Does Termites Swarm?
WouterTermite season can begin as early as March, but it usually lasts for about five or six months. During this time, termites are active all year round, gathering food, creating new colonies, and protecting their nests.
Termites are wood-destroying insects that live in colonies underground. These nests are constructed with small holes, known as mud tubes, to allow workers to exit the colony and find food. They also create mud tunnels in wooden structures.
Termite swarms happen when winged termites leave their colonies to form new ones. Termites swarm at various times of the year, but the most common swarms are seen in late spring and summer. These infestations are a sign of a large termite colony nearby. A termite swarm will appear when warm, wet weather sets in and the colony is ready to reproduce.
Depending on the type of termite, the swarming season can occur any time of the year. However, most species of subterranean termites swarm in the spring or summer.
Most swarms will occur within a few hours of rain, but the swarming season can last from 30 minutes to several days. Swarmers will be attracted to light sources, so swarms will often gravitate towards windows and doors.
When conditions are right, termite swarmers will launch into the air and pair off. They then fly away to find a mate. Most alates die on their way, but only a few will survive and go on to form a new colony.
