Why Termites Swarm in the Spring: Protecting Your Home from Infestations

Signs of Spring Termite Swarms and How to Protect Your Home

As temperatures rise in Phoenix, termite activity increases—especially in the spring when swarms begin. If you’ve ever seen clouds of flying insects near your home, you might have encountered termite swarmers, a sign that a colony is expanding and looking for new places to settle.

Understanding why termites swarm, what attracts them, and how to prevent them can help you protect your home from potential damage.

Why Do Termites Swarm in the Spring?

Springtime termite swarming isn’t random—it’s part of their reproductive cycle. When conditions are right, mature termite colonies release winged reproductives (alates) to start new colonies. These swarmers take flight when the following factors align:

• Rising Temperatures: Once Phoenix temperatures consistently stay above 70°F, swarmers begin to emerge.
• Increased Moisture: After spring rains, soil moisture levels rise, creating ideal conditions for termites to tunnel and expand.
• Mature Colonies Reaching Capacity: When a colony becomes too large, swarmers leave to establish new nests.

While swarmers themselves don’t cause damage, their presence is a major red flag—it means there is likely an established colony nearby.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Termites can remain hidden for years, causing structural damage before they’re noticed. Keep an eye out for these signs:

1. Presence of Swarmers or Discarded Wings

• Swarmers are dark-bodied with wings, resembling flying ants.
• After mating, they shed their wings, which may be found on windowsills, doorways, or near light sources.

2. Mud Tubes Along Foundations

• Subterranean termites build mud tunnels to travel between their colony and food sources.
• These pencil-sized tubes are often found along foundations, walls, or crawl spaces.

3. Hollow or Damaged Wood

• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped may be a sign of internal damage.
• Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving behind a thin surface that easily crumbles or breaks.

4. Unexplained Cracks or Bubbling Paint

• Warped, blistering, or cracked wood can indicate moisture buildup caused by termite activity.
• In some cases, termites mimic water damage, making infestations harder to detect.

How to Reduce the Risk of Termites Around Your Home

Phoenix homeowners can take proactive steps to make their property less inviting to termites:

Eliminate Moisture Sources

• Repair leaky pipes, faucets, or AC units that create damp conditions.
• Ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation.
• Avoid excess watering near the home’s perimeter.

Remove Wood-to-Soil Contact

• Keep firewood, lumber, and wood debris at least 20 feet away from the home.
• Avoid direct wood-to-soil contact—termites can easily tunnel into wood touching the ground.

Seal Cracks and Entry Points

• Caulk gaps in foundations, walls, and utility openings to prevent access.
• Inspect and maintain window and door seals to keep swarmers out.

What to Do If You See Termite Swarmers

If you spot swarmers inside your home, it’s a sign of a nearby infestation. Here’s what to do:

1. Don’t Panic, But Act Quickly – Swarmers don’t bite or cause damage, but they indicate a larger problem.
2. Don’t Disturb Mud Tubes or Damaged Areas – This could drive termites deeper into the structure.
3. Schedule an Inspection – A professional evaluation can determine the extent of the issue and the best course of action.

Protecting Your Home During Termite Season

Don’t wait until termites cause costly damage to your home. If you’ve spotted swarmers, mud tubes, or other signs of termite activity, it’s time to take action. Scorpion King Exterminating has the expertise to assess your property and implement the right solutions for long-term protection.

Contact us today to schedule a termite inspection and safeguard your home before termite season is in full swing.