Do flying termites come out of the ground?

Flying termites, also known as alates, are winged reproductive termites that emerge from their colonies to mate and start new colonies. They are often seen swarming around lights on warm evenings during the spring and summer. This leads many people to wonder – do flying termites come out of the ground?

The Short Answer

Yes, flying termites do come out of the ground. Most termite species build nests underground with tunnels and chambers extending below the soil surface. When conditions are right for swarming, alates will emerge from subterranean termite colonies through exit holes in the ground.

Where Do Termites Nest?

There are two main types of termites – subterranean termites and drywood termites. Subterranean termites, which account for about 80% of termite species, nest in the soil and dig extensive tunnel systems underground. Drywood termites nest inside wood structures like attics, wall voids, and furniture. Here is a breakdown of termite nesting habits:

Subterranean Termites

• Build nests underground
• Dig extensive tunnels and chambers in the soil
• Nests can extend 5-20 feet below the surface
• Often maintain connection to food source (wood) above ground
• Species include Reticulitermes, Coptotermes, Heterotermes

Drywood Termites

• Nest inside wood structures and furniture
• Do not dig soil tunnels
• Species include Cryptotermes, Incisitermes

Since subterranean termites live underground, alates from subterranean colonies emerge from the soil when they swarm. Drywood termites swarm as well, but they exit their nest inside the infested wood rather than from the ground.

What Triggers Termite Swarming?

Several environmental factors influence when and why termites swarm:

• Springtime warming – Termites swarm when temperatures warm up in the spring and remain consistently above 70°F.
• High humidity – Humid evening conditions after rainfall trigger swarms by facilitating termite flight.
• Presence of reproductives – Swarming is triggered when the colony has developed winged reproductives (alates) that are ready to fly.
• Overcrowding – Colonies that have grown very dense swarm to allow reproductives to form new colonies. This prevents overcrowding.

These conditions provide the right environment for the alates to exit the colony, fly, mate, and start a colony of their own.

When Do Termites Emerge to Swarm?

Termite swarming season usually takes place in spring and early summer. Here are some more details on timing:

• Swarming often begins in April or May
• Most active from late April through June
• Swarms happen in the evening after sunset
• Flights usually take place on warm, humid evenings
• After midnight swarms begin to decline
• By July swarming tapers off

These spring swarms coincide with rising temperatures, rain, and humid conditions preferred by emerging reproductives. Swarming during the warmer months gives alates the best chance of survival and colony establishment.

How Do Termites Emerge from the Ground?

When conditions align for swarming, subterranean termites emerge from their underground nest in an organized fashion:

1. Soldier and worker termites create temporary mud tubes on the surface leading from the nest exit holes.
2. Just prior to swarming, alates gather in large groups inside the nest chambers.
3. When ready, alates crawl up through the exit tunnels following pheromone trails.
4. Alates emerge from the ground through prepared mud tubes or cracks in the soil.
5. Once emerged, alates fly up into the air and are carried by the wind.

This synchronized exit process maximizes the chances of a successful swarm. The alates fly off to mate while workers and soldiers remain below ground tending to the colony.

Signs of Subterranean Termites

Here are some signs that reveal the presence of subterranean termites on your property:

• Mud tubes over foundation walls, piers, wood structures
• Swarming alates around lights in spring
• Discarded termite wings around windows and doors
• Hollowed wood damage in structures
• Tunneled wood with “kick-out” holes
• Cracked or bubbling paint and drywall

If you notice these signs, get a professional termite inspection right away. Treatment is needed to eliminate subterranean termites before they cause serious structural damage.

Flying Termite Identification

It’s important to be able to identify flying termites so you know when swarming is happening on your property. Here are some key features:

• Two pairs of long, narrow wings of equal size
• Wings are longer than the body
• Wings have many veins running lengthwise
• When at rest, wings fold over the back parallel to each other
• Thick waists with straight antennae
• Dark bodies 3/8 to 1/2 inches long

Compare this to ants, which have different wing sizes, stubby waists, and elbowed antennae. If you see swarms of insects matching the termite description, you likely have subterranean termites on your property emerging to start new colonies.

Are Flying Termites Dangerous?

While termite swarms can be a nuisance, the flying reproductives themselves are not dangerous. They do not bite, sting, or transmit disease. However, their presence signals a termite infestation that does require control measures.

Here are some risks posed by subterranean termite infestations:

• They damage wooden structures, destroying from the inside out
• Can cause structural weaknesses leading to collapse
• Result in costly repairs and property damage
• Lower property value due to damage

So while flying termites are not directly harmful, they indicate an infestation needing professional help before the termites seriously compromise your home’s structure.

Preventing Termite Swarms

Here are some tips for preventing flying termite swarms on your property:

• Get regular termite inspections from a pest professional
• Eliminate excessive moisture around the home’s foundation
• Ensure proper drainage away from your home
• Fill in cracks in foundation walls, slabs, and walkways
• Keep wood structures like fences at least 6 inches from the ground
• Install termite-resistant materials such as concrete or steel
• Treat soil around the home with termite pesticide

Taking these preventive measures limits the appeal of your home to foraging termites and reduces the chances of swarming activity.

Conclusion

Flying termites emerging in spring is a common phenomenon caused by subterranean termite colonies mature enough to swarm. Alates exit the underground nest through prepared mud tubes or soil cracks and take to the air to mate and begin new colonies. While the winged termites are not dangerous themselves, they signal a termite infestation requiring professional control to prevent property damage. With vigilance and preventive treatment, flying termite swarms can be avoided.