Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

Can Termites Swarm After Treatment?

Post-Treatment Swarming

Swarming termites, also known as alates, are mature termites seeking mates. They do not eat wood, unlike their destructive worker counterparts. The presence of these flying reproductives indicates nearby colonies and can be a nuisance if they swarm indoors. The appearance of these pests following professional termiticide treatments, however, does not mean that the treatment was ineffective.

Why Do Termites Swarm?

Alates begin as nymphs and develop wings over time. These termites leave the nest during spring, usually following rain because the pests need moisture to survive. Reproductives will pair with mates, lose their wings, and begin new colonies.

Was the Treatment Effective?

Post-treatment termite swarms are not uncommon and may occur up to around four weeks after an effective treatment. The goal of termiticide use is to create mortality among the workers and the other caste members of the termite colony, weaken the colony, and eventually eliminate it. The occurrence of post-treatment swarms can mean the colony is still producing alates, even though it is weakened. Also, alates can withstand much drier environments than workers and can be found still living in the colony after an effective treatment.

What Should Homeowners Do?

Swarming termites will lose their wings and die if they cannot escape homes. This is not necessarily a sign of failed treatment, but individuals should contact local pest control experts for more information and a further explanation should they encounter post-treatment swarming.

Think you might have termites in your home? Schedule an appointment to get a free termite inspection.

Resources

Dig Deeper on Termites

Do Ants Kill Termites? | Termite Control Options

How to Naturally Get Rid of Termites | Termite Removal

Can Rain Stimulate Termite Activity? | Termite Facts

When are Termites Most Active? | Termite Control

Subterranean and Above-Ground Termite Nest Facts

Types of Termite Treatments

Can Termites Swarm After Treatment? | Termite Facts

What is a Termite Queen? | Role of Termite Queen

What is a Reproductive Termite? | Termite Colony Structure

Termite Risk and Damage | Can Termite Damage Be Fixed? Termite Control

Orkin Pro crouching by outer house wall

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2023 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers