Seeing Winged Termites at Home? Here's What That Might Mean

Finding winged termites in your home can be alarming, and for a bad reason. These flying termites, also known as swarmers or alates, are reproductive termites looking to establish new colonies. Their presence inside your home can indicate a serious termite problem—or be a warning sign of one developing soon.

Let’s break down what it might mean if you’re spotting them around your house.

Key Takeaways

• Winged termites inside or near your home mean a termite colony is nearby and could already be causing damage.
• Swarming termites appear during certain seasons, and their presence near windows or lights means they might settle inside.
• Flying ants look similar to termites, but a closer look can help you tell the difference before taking action.
• Termite treatment from professionals is necessary to stop the infestation, prevent damage, and protect your home.

A Termite Colony Might Be Nearby

If you see winged termites inside or near your home, there’s a good chance an active termite colony isn’t far away.

These wood-eating pests don’t travel long distances, so termite swarmers emerging inside likely mean the nest is already established within your walls, foundation, or yard.

If you spot them outdoors—near wood piles, mulch, stumps, or wooden structures—it’s a sign they’re close but not necessarily inside yet. Either way, regular inspections and professional termite control are crucial to prevent damage.

It’s Swarming Season

Termites swarm when they’re ready to reproduce and expand their reach.

Swarming season varies by termite species, but for subterranean termites—the most common type in the Midwest—it typically happens in the spring.

Drywood termites and Formosan termites can swarm in late summer or fall.

Seeing large numbers of swarming termites around windowsills, doors, or outdoor lights means it’s time for an inspection to determine if they’ve already settled into your home.

A New Termite Colony May Be Forming

When termites swarm, their goal is to create a new termite colony.

If they find the right conditions—moist wood, food sources (like your home’s wooden beams), and shelter—they will establish a new infestation.

This is why seeing alates inside your home is a major red flag.

They might have entered through cracks, or worse, they could have hatched from a mature colony already in your walls.

You May Already Have a Hidden Termite Infestation

One of the most concerning possibilities is that the presence of flying termites means there’s already a mature infestation. They are silent destroyers, often causing structural damage before you even notice them.

If you spot discarded wings, mud tubes along your foundation, or wood damage, there’s a high likelihood that worker termites have been actively feeding on your home for years.

You’re Mistaking Them for Flying Ants

Not all flying insects with wings are termites. Many homeowners confuse winged termites with flying ants. A close look can help you tell the difference:

If you’re unsure, call a pest control company to properly identify the insect and determine the next steps.

Your Home Is at Risk of Structural Damage

If termites swarm inside, your home is already in danger. They feed on cellulose, which is found in wooden beams, flooring, and even drywall.

Over time, an untreated infestation can lead to severe structural damage, making repairs expensive and putting your home’s safety at risk.

Signs of termite damage include:

• Hollow-sounding wood
• Bubbling or buckling paint
• Sagging floors or ceilings
• Tiny holes in drywall with termite droppings nearby

Ignoring these warning signs of termites can lead to repairs, so taking action immediately is critical.

You Need a Termite Treatment Plan

Once winged termites are inside, a DIY approach won’t cut it.

Treatment from pest control services is necessary to eliminate the colony and prevent further damage. After accurately identifying the type of termite, options include:

• Bait stations that attract and kill termites.
• Liquid barriers that create a protective zone around your home.
• Foam treatments for hard-to-reach areas.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

If you’re seeing winged termites in your home, don’t wait.

At Miller Pest & Termite, we offer expert termite inspections to find out if there’s an infestation, assess the damage, and stop termites before they cause costly repairs.

If we find a termite activity, our exterminators will create targeted pest management using the best methods to eliminate them and protect your home long-term.

Call us today to schedule your termite inspection and keep your home safe.