Flying Termites in Florida:
What They Mean & What to Do
Seeing winged termites is one of the most urgent warning signs a homeowner can encounter. Here's what you need to know.
What Are Flying Termites?
Flying termites — called alates or swarmers — are the reproductive members of a termite colony. When a colony matures (typically after 3–5 years), it produces winged males and females that swarm to find mates and establish new colonies. Seeing swarmers is a sign that a mature, established colony is nearby.
In Florida, multiple termite species swarm at different times of year, so swarmers can appear almost any month. After mating, they shed their wings — which is why you often find piles of discarded wings near windowsills or doorways after a swarm.
Flying Termites vs Flying Ants: How to Tell the Difference
| Feature | Termite Swarmer | Flying Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Wing length | Both pairs equal length | Front wings longer than back wings |
| Waist | Broad, no pinch | Narrow, pinched waist |
| Antennae | Straight, beaded | Elbowed/bent |
| Wing attachment | Wings shed easily after landing | Wings stay attached |
| Body color | Pale tan to dark brown | Usually darker, more defined segments |
Florida Termite Species & Swarm Seasons
Eastern Subterranean Termite
Swarm season: February – May
Time of day: Daytime, after rain
Most common in Florida; large swarms near soil or foundation
Drywood Termite
Swarm season: August – November
Time of day: Afternoon/evening
Swarms from infested wood; often seen near windows and lights
Formosan Subterranean Termite
Swarm season: April – June
Time of day: Evening, attracted to lights
Large, aggressive swarms; major concern in Central Florida
Saw Flying Termites? Call Now.
Don't wait for the swarm to end. TAPS provides same-day termite inspections throughout Daytona Beach, Port Orange, DeLand, Deltona, Sanford, Orlando, and Palm Coast.
Call (386) 886-4500Frequently Asked Questions
Does seeing flying termites mean I have an infestation?
Not necessarily inside your home, but it means a mature colony is nearby — either already in your structure or in the soil or wood close to it. Swarmers are reproductive termites leaving an established colony to start new ones. If you see them inside your home, there is almost certainly an active colony in or under the structure.
What should I do if I see flying termites inside my house?
Don't panic, but don't ignore it. Capture a few in a sealed bag or jar for identification, note where they were coming from, and call a licensed termite inspector immediately. Do not spray them with consumer pesticides — this can scatter the colony and make treatment harder.
Are flying termites dangerous?
The swarmers themselves don't bite or sting and aren't dangerous to people. The danger is what they represent: an active termite colony that is or will be causing structural damage to wood in or near your home.
How long does a termite swarm last?
Individual swarms typically last 30–60 minutes. Most swarmers die within hours if they don't find a suitable mate and nesting site. The swarm itself is brief — but the colony that produced it has been active for years.