If you’ve spotted winged termites flying around your home, it’s a warning sign of a nearby termite colony. While these swarmers don’t cause damage themselves, they indicate an active infestation, which could lead to costly structural damage if left unchecked.
For homeowners in South Florida, understanding when termites swarm, how to identify them, and what steps to take can help protect your home from serious termite damage.
What Are Termite Swarmers?
Termite swarmers, also known as alates, are flying termites that leave their colonies to start new ones. Unlike worker termites that stay hidden inside wood, swarmers emerge in large numbers, often gathering near:
Windowsills Doorways Outdoor lights Vents and foundation gaps
How to Identify Termite Swarmers
Straight antennae (unlike flying ants, which have bent antennae) Two pairs of wings of equal size (flying ants have uneven wings) Broad waist (ants have a pinched waist)
Common Mistake: Many homeowners mistake swarmers for flying ants, delaying proper termite treatment.
When Do Termites Swarm in Florida?
Miami’s warm, humid climate allows termites to stay active year-round, but different species swarm in different seasons:
Subterranean Termites (including Formosan termites) – Swarm in spring, often after rain. Drywood Termites – Swarm in late summer and fall.
Why This Matters: Florida has some of the highest termite activity in the country. Staying vigilant throughout the year can help prevent severe damage to your home.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
If you’ve seen termite swarmers, check for other signs of termite activity in and around your home:
1. Discarded Wings
After swarming, termites shed their wings, leaving small piles near: Windowsills Doors Light fixtures
2. Mud Tubes (Subterranean Termites)
Subterranean termites build mud tubes along wooden structures, foundations, and walls to protect themselves as they travel between their nest and food source.
3. Frass (Droppings) – Drywood Termites
Drywood termites leave tiny wood-colored droppings that look like sawdust or coffee grounds.
4. Wood Damage
Termites eat wood from the inside out, making it sound hollow when tapped. Blistering wood Cracked or warped wooden surfaces Honeycomb-like damage in wood
Warning: By the time damage is visible, the infestation is often severe.
How to Get Rid of Termites and Prevent Future Infestations
Because termites cause significant damage, working with a professional pest control service is strongly recommended. However, there are preventative steps you can take to make your home less attractive to termites.
Prevent Termite Infestations with These Tips:
Reduce Moisture – Fix leaks, clean gutters, and ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces and attics. Seal Entry Points – Close gaps around doors, windows, vents, and the foundation. Keep Mulch Away from the House – Keep mulch at least 12-18 inches from your foundation, as it retains moisture and attracts termites. Store Firewood Away from the Home – Never stack firewood, cardboard, or wood debris near your house. Treat Exposed Wood – Apply borate-based wood treatments to deter drywood termites. Schedule Regular Inspections – Have a yearly termite inspection to catch infestations before they spread.
Tip: Many homeowners don’t realize they have termites until major damage occurs. Routine inspections are crucial!
When to Call a Professional for Termite Control
If you’ve seen swarmers, mud tubes, droppings, or wood damage, a professional termite treatment plan is necessary to eliminate the colony and prevent further damage.
Professional Termite Treatments We Offer:
Bait Stations – Trelona Advanced Termite Bait Systems attract worker termites, allowing them to carry poison back to the nest, eliminating the entire colony. Fumigation & No-Tent Treatments – Drywood termites may require fumigation or targeted treatments, depending on infestation severity. Foundation Trenching – A chemical soil barrier around your home prevents subterranean termites from entering.
Call On Demand Pest Control today to schedule a free termite inspection!
Protect Your Home from Termites Before It’s Too Late
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage every year—don’t wait until it’s too late to take action.
At On Demand Pest Control, we offer expert termite prevention and treatment solutions to safeguard your home from these destructive pests.
Contact us today for a free inspection and customized termite treatment plan!
