Fall Termite Swarms in Florida: Why Activity Continues After Summer

Termite Season Doesn’t End When Summer Does 

It’s a September or October day and while the heat isn’t peaking anymore, the weather is still warm. Suddenly, a south Florida homeowner notices some winged insects or discarded wings near a window, door, or a light fixture. What’s going on? It’s likely a termite swarming event, which can happen more than once per year, particularly across the different termite species in the state. Termite swarming events are no longer limited to one neat “season” anymore. In fact, University of Florida researchers reports that western drywood termite flights have occurred in every month except December and a full 50% of flights occurred in September, October, or November – peak fall season.In this blog post, we’ll explain what fall termite swarms are, why they happen, what species might be involved, and what homeowners should do if they start to see winged insects or discarded wings near their home in the fall.

Florida Doesn’t Have Just One Termite Swarming Season

The timing of termite swarms depends on the termite species involved. Some termites are going to be more visible in spring to early summer, while some dampwood and drywood termites have later flight windows. Florida has multiple types of termites and correct identification is important, because proper treatment varies by species. It’s also important to understand that swarming is a reproductive event for termites, and not the only time they’re active. It’s just the time they’re most visible to people. Seeing fewer swarmers doesn’t mean the termite risk disappears.

Why Some Drywood Termites Are Still Swarming In Fall

Western drywood termites are one species whose fall swarms warrant attention. University of Florida data shows 50% of recorded flights occur from September through November. Drywood termites can infest wood directly and don’t require constant exposure and contact to soil like subterranean termites do. Homeowners might notice signs of drywood termite activity such as:

• Winged termites near windows
• Discarded wings
• Small piles of frass (termite poop).
• Activity around attic spaces, trim, furniture, or exposed wood

Dampwood Termites Can Also Have Later Flight Windows

While western drywood termites are the more well-known example of fall termite swarmers, there are some dampwood termites that are known to have later flight windows as well. Scientists from the University of Florida note that Neotermes castaneus, the Florida dampwood termite, has peak swarming events in late fall and early winter. As their name implies, dampwood termites are associated with wood that’s either moisture-damaged or decaying. Moisture problems, leaks, poor drainage or compromised wood in the home can all contribute to dampwood termite issues.

Does a Fall Termite Swarm Mean Your House Is Infested?

A termite swarming event on or near your house doesn’t always mean that the house is infested, but it should also never be ignored. The termite swarming itself signals that there is an active colony nearby that’s about to reproduce. Outdoor swarmers could come from nearby trees and stumps, landscaping timber, or neighboring colonies. But indoor swarmers or discarded wings in or around the home are more concerning, because they might indicate a termite colony that is inside or very close to the home. Places homeowners might spot swarmer event activity include:

• Windowsills
• Sliding glass doors
• Baseboards
• Light fixtures
• Attic access points
• Garage areas

Discarded wings inside the home are a sign deserving of a professional inspection, even if the swarm event seemed brief. 

Flying Ants vs Termites: Why Identification Matters

One potential “false alarm” when it comes to termite swarmers are flying ants. These two completely different insects have enough of a visual similarity that they’re often mistaken for one another. This matters, because the proper treatments for each of them are going to be quite different, despite their visual similarities. If you look closely enough at the insect, you should be able to distinguish between the two:

• Termite swarmers generally have wings of equal length, a thicker mid-section and straight antennae.
• Flying ants usually have uneven wing pairs, a more narrow or “pinched” mid-section, and bent/curved antennae.

By properly identifying which flying insect you’re dealing with, you can then select a treatment approach that works best for that particular pest.

Why South Florida Termite Risk Is Year-Round

Fall swarms are just one piece of a much larger pattern. The reality is that termites are a serious concern throughout the year – and not just when termite swarmers are active. The warmer temperatures, moisture and humidity, the dense development, and the presence of multiple termite species all contribute in their own way to the overall risk that termites pose in the area. Recent local reporting from outlets like CBS12 have highlighted the rise and spread of multiple termites species in Florida, while other local coverage has highlighted the emergence of hybrid offspring between different termite species. The risk is real and it’s constant throughout the year.

What To Do If You See Termite Swarmers or Wings This Fall

If you spot any of the previously indicated signs of termite swarmers, you shouldn’t panic. Fall termite swarms aren’t always proof of an active infestation inside your home, but they are a sign worth taking seriously. In Southeast Florida, termite protection isn’t just a springtime task, it’s part of year-round home maintenance. 

Collect a few wings or insects in a clear bag and take clear photos for identification. Make a note of where and when the swarmers or wings appeared. Check nearby windowsills, door tracks, baseboards, light fixtures, and attic areas. Avoid over-spraying indoors and wiping away everything before you properly document and take evidence of what you’ve spotted. Then, schedule a professional termite inspection to be safe, especially if the swarmers or discarded wings appeared indoors.

Here at Nozzle Nolen, we have decades of experience identifying and treating a wide range of Florida termite species. We offer professional termite inspection and treatment options for Florida homes. You can always visit our website to schedule a Free Initial Termite Inspection for your home today.