Where Do Termites Go After They Swarm?
WouterTermites swarm when the colony becomes full, and the queen has produced enough eggs to establish a new nest. Swarming takes place after rain showers and warm, humid weather. It is a natural part of the termite life cycle. The swarmers take off from the nest and fly away to create a new colony.
During a swarm, termites will emerge from the soil or from holes in the walls. Depending on the species, the number of swarmers produced may vary. The colony can take several years to mature. During this time, reproductive termites lay their eggs and develop into soldiers. These termites are larger than worker termites and crush invaders with their large mandibles.
The swarmers’ wings are pale-colored. Typically, they are about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long. They are usually found near windows and light fixtures.
Swarmers can live outside, indoors, or even under a house. They are not harmful to humans or pets, but they can damage wood structures. If you see termite swarmers, they should be vacuumed up. If you suspect that your home is infested, you can also collect the swarmers for identification. You can then bring them to a local cooperative extension center.
The swarming process lasts about 30-40 minutes. In most cases, swarmers will die when they cannot escape the house. Occasionally, swarms will be triggered by food shortages. If you suspect a swarm, mark the area with tape. If you are having a problem with termites, you may want to hire a pest control service to remove them.
