Do Termites Have Wings?
Yes, termites can have wings, but not all termites do. The winged termites, known as alates or swarmers, are the reproductive members of the colony. They develop wings to leave their nest, swarm, mate, and establish new colonies. After swarming, they shed their wings.
Other types of termites in a colony—workers and soldiers—do not have wings. If you see termites with wings, it could indicate a nearby infestation, as they are looking to start new colonies.
Can Termites Fly?
Termites are not strong fliers and generally rely on wind currents to assist their flight. Their flight is short-lived and often erratic. Winged termites, or alates, typically fly only a few hundred feet from their original colony before shedding their wings and attempting to establish a new colony. However, if carried by the wind, they may travel farther.
Since they are weak fliers, termite swarms usually don’t last long—often just a few minutes to an hour. Most alates don’t survive long after swarming due to predators like birds, lizards, and other insects. Their main purpose is reproduction, and once they land, they shed their wings and begin forming a new colony.
Do Termites Fly?
Termites typically fly during their swarming season, which occurs when environmental conditions are ideal for reproduction. This usually happens under the following circumstances:
Warm Temperatures – Swarming often occurs in spring or summer when temperatures are consistently warm, typically between 70–90°F (21–32°C). However, some species swarm in late fall or even winter, depending on climate and location.
High Humidity – Termites are highly sensitive to moisture, so they often swarm after rain when humidity levels are high. This helps prevent their delicate bodies from drying out.
Time of Day – The time termites swarm depends on the species. Subterranean termites (most common in the U.S.) swarm during the day, often in the morning or midday. Drywood termites swarm at dusk or nighttime, usually attracted to artificial lights. Dampwood termites also swarm at night, often in humid coastal or forested areas.
Mature Colonies – A colony must be at least three to five years old before it produces swarmers. A large, well-established colony will release hundreds to thousands of winged termites to start new colonies.
Indoor vs. Outdoor Swarms – If termites swarm outside, they’re likely establishing a new colony nearby. If they swarm indoors, it’s a strong sign of an active infestation within the structure, as the termites emerged from inside the building.
Swarming termites don’t cause damage themselves, but their presence is a red flag that a termite colony is nearby or already infesting a structure.
Termites Fly
The thought of flying termites can definitely be unsettling—especially when you consider that their main purpose is to start new infestations! Seeing a swarm means there’s either a mature colony nearby or, worse, an active infestation inside a home or building. The idea of hundreds (or thousands) of tiny, winged insects suddenly emerging from walls, floors, or foundations is the stuff of nightmares for many homeowners.
Adding to the horror factor, swarming termites are often mistaken for flying ants—until people realize they’re actually termites, which are far more destructive. The fact that they shed their wings everywhere, leaving piles of them around windowsills and doorways, only adds to the eerie scene.
While they don’t bite, sting, or carry diseases, the real nightmare is the hidden damage they cause behind walls and under floors. A termite infestation can go unnoticed for years, silently eating away at wooden structures until serious structural damage occurs.