What to Do If Termites Are Swarming in Your Home

What to Do If Termites Are Swarming in Your Home

Finding flying termites inside your home can be alarming. A termite swarm occurs when mature colonies release winged reproductive termites, called swarmers or alates, to establish new colonies.

Swarmers do not cause the structural damage themselves. However, a large indoor swarm may indicate that an established termite colony is hidden somewhere in or beneath the structure.

Here is what you should do.

1. Save Some of the Insects

Collect several insects and any discarded wings in a sealed container or plastic bag. A termite inspector can use the specimens to identify the type of termite involved.

Different termite species require different inspection and treatment methods, so proper identification is important.

2. Photograph Where They Appeared

Take pictures or a short video of:

• The insects and discarded wings
• The area where they first appeared
• Any small holes, cracks, or gaps near that location
• Nearby pellets, mud tubes, or damaged wood

Make a note of the date, time, room, and approximate number of insects. This information can help the inspector locate the source.

3. Vacuum Up the Remaining Swarmers

You can safely vacuum up the remaining termites and discarded wings. Empty the vacuum outdoors when finished.

The visible swarmers will usually die indoors if they cannot escape. Removing them does not eliminate the colony, but it will clean up the immediate problem.

4. Do Not Spray or Seal the Area Yet

Avoid spraying household insecticide into the opening where the termites appeared. Killing visible swarmers will not eliminate the hidden colony.

Do not immediately seal the suspected emergence hole or disturb nearby wood. Doing so may conceal evidence that could help the inspector determine where the termites originated.

5. Determine Whether They Are Termites or Flying Ants

Flying ants are commonly mistaken for termite swarmers.

Termite swarmers generally have:

• Straight or beadlike antennae
• A broad waist
• Four wings of approximately equal length

Flying ants generally have:

• Elbowed antennae
• A narrow, pinched waist
• Front wings that are longer than their rear wings

Save a specimen even if you believe you know which insect you found.

6. Schedule a Professional Termite Inspection

A few winged termites near an open door or window may have flown in from outside. However, numerous swarmers emerging from an interior wall, ceiling, floor, window frame, or other part of the structure are a strong reason to arrange an inspection.

An inspection can determine:

• Whether the insects are termites
• Whether they are drywood or subterranean termites
• Where the infestation may be located
• Whether treatment is necessary
• Which treatment method is appropriate

In Southern California, drywood and subterranean termites are both common. Drywood termites live within wood above the ground, while subterranean termites generally live in the soil and reach buildings through shelter tubes or concealed openings.

Does a Termite Swarm Mean You Need Fumigation?

Not necessarily. The proper recommendation depends on the termite species, the location and extent of the infestation, accessibility, and whether additional colonies may be concealed elsewhere.

Localized treatment may be appropriate for certain limited drywood termite infestations. Whole-structure fumigation may be recommended when drywood termites are widespread or located in inaccessible areas. Subterranean termites require a different treatment method because their colonies are associated with the soil.

A professional inspection should be completed before deciding on treatment.

Can Termite Swarmers Hurt People or Pets?

Termite swarmers are not aggressive and are not known to spread disease. The concern is not the flying termites themselves but the possibility of a hidden colony damaging wood within the structure.

Schedule a Termite Inspection

Tiger Termite Control has served Chino Hills and surrounding Southern California communities since 1997. We inspect for drywood and subterranean termites and recommend treatment based on the conditions found at the property.

If termites are swarming inside your home, save a few specimens and call Tiger Termite Control at (909) 597-6953 to schedule an inspection.

Updated September 2026.