How to Get Rid of Flying Termites Safely and Efficiently, According to Experts

Suddenly seeing dozens (even hundreds) of winged termites flying near windows, light fixtures, or doors can be especially troubling to a homeowner. "Flying termites, also called alates, are reproductive and are looking to mate and start new colonies," explains Tony King, pest control expert. But try not to panic: Seeing the occasional swarm doesn’t mean you necessarily have a termite problem, though early detection is key in preventing costly problems.

Here, our pest control experts break down how to get rid of flying termites and how to spot them in the first place.

How to Identify Flying Termites 

Flying termites are reproductive termites who only have one job, according to Steven Dupuy, termite technical services manager at Terminix. "That is to leave the colony, find a mate and a suitable location, and establish a new colony that will become home to thousands, or sometimes even millions, of new termites," he says.

Dupuy offers a few characteristics that help identify flying termites: 

• Check the Wings: These termites have two sets of wings that are equal in size. Flying ants, in contrast, have large forewings and smaller hind wings.
• Measurement and Color: Flying termites are about an inch long and are generally a dark brown to black color. They also have broad waists and straight antennae. 
• Light Reactive: Swarming termites are attracted to light, so homeowners may see them near windows, doors, and vents during the daytime and around light sources at night.

Signs of a Nearby Flying Termite Infestation

Signs of what may be a serious flying termite problem include seeing swarms of winged termites indoors or around your home, especially near light sources. "Flying termites indoors most likely mean that the colony is already inside the building, not just in the area," says King.

"Another sign is the presence of mud tubes on walls, foundations, or crawl spaces," shares entomologist Trent Frazer. These small, circular structures are used by termites to travel. You may also notice discarded wings around your home, says Dr. Tracy Ellis, award-winning entomologist at FarmSense. “When you see discarded wings, it means mating has occurred, and the new queen crawls to the next habitable living space—a key indicator the termites have entered the next phase of new colony establishment,” she explains.

If a swarm occurs inside your home, certified entomologist Damian Marcelo says the first thing that should be done is to take note of where it emerged from. "Next, collect some samples that are as intact as possible for identification," he says, "and contact a professional to come and identify the insect and inspect the home."

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Causes of an Infestation

Infestations typically originate from an established colony that has been growing for a number of years. “When conditions are right (in the spring or early summer when temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity is high), the colony releases swarmers,” King explains. 

Homes with drainage problems, leaky pipes or roofs, or wood in contact with the soil (such as deck posts, woodpiles, or mulch) are particularly attractive to termites. “Crawl spaces or basements with excess moisture and poor ventilation are also prime real estate for colonies to thrive undetected,” King adds. “If your home is in a region known for termite activity—like the Southeast, California, or parts of the Midwest—and lacks a proper termite barrier or annual inspection, you’re at higher risk."

How to Get Rid of Flying Termites

There's not much that can be done about outdoor swarms. "It will be over relatively fast, and then they will either go back underground or fall prey to other animals," says Marcelo.

To control flying termites, King recommends differentiating between long-term elimination and short-term relief. For immediate control, aerosol insecticides designed for flying insects can be used to kill swarmers upon contact. “Insecticides that contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids (like bifenthrin or cyfluthrin) are easy to find at most home improvement centers and are frequently utilized," he says. “These, however, only treat the visible swarmers and have no effect on the primary colony.” 

For a more natural or environmentally friendly solution, soapy water in bowls set near light sources will capture these pests as they fly by. Sticky light traps will also work well indoors. "Orange oil and neem oil also contain compounds toxic to termites and can be applied to wood surfaces," King says, although these are not complete treatments.

The highest priority is treating the colony itself. “For subterranean termites, this typically involves professional application of a non-repellent termiticide that is carried back to the nest by the termites,” King explains. "One other excellent method is the use of termite baiting systems that lure workers to bring slow-acting poison back to the entire colony."

Some treatments require special equipment and may include drilling into slabs and foundations. "It's best to have a professional perform the work," Dupuy says. "Professionals have the right protective personal equipment and the knowledge to protect themselves and those around them."

How to Prevent Flying Termites

The following preventative measures can assist homeowners in keeping termite infestations at bay: 

• Turn off outdoor lights, especially during warmer months. 
• Store firewood and lumber at least 20 feet away from the house.
• Keep mulch away from the home’s foundation, and ensure at least four inches of foundation is visible above the soil.
• Maintain drainage systems and direct rainwater away from the home.
• Seal all entry points. 
• Repair and eliminate leaks and moisture.
• Don't paint or patch over termite-damaged wood without addressing the problem. According to King, this gives the colony further time to develop.
• Avoid disturbing termite nests, warns Gabriel Odame, research and development chemist at P.F. Harris. "This can worsen the situation and potentially spread the colony more."
  

Expert Intervention

Remember: Seeing a few flying termites doesn’t always mean you have a full-blown infestation, says Frazer—but their presence definitely shouldn't be ignored. It's a sign that a mature colony exists somewhere nearby and may be busy causing internal structural damage. “Even if you kill all the visible swarmers, the queen and thousands of workers may still be chewing on wood behind your walls or under your foundation,” King also warns.

Fortunately, termites act slowly. "Even if your house has termites, you have time to seek out licensed professional pest control companies for inspections and quotes," says Ellis. "It’s best to seek expertise from a number of companies before you make a commitment."

In fact, homeowners should have annual inspections performed, especially in high-risk areas. “Prevention and early intervention can save significant repair costs down the line,” Ellis says.