Summer in Michigan brings warm weather, backyard barbecues, and for some homeowners, termite swarms. If you’ve spotted flying bugs near your home and aren’t sure what you’re dealing with, you’re not alone.
Termite swarms can be easy to miss until they cause significant damage. Knowing what to look for and how to respond is key to keeping your home protected.
In this guide, you’ll learn how termite swarmers behave, what signs to watch for, and how termite prevention works here in Michigan.
Key Takeaways
- Termite swarms in Michigan often occur in late spring through summer when swarmers leave existing colonies to start new ones.
- Swarmers look like flying ants but have straight antennae, equal-length wings, and a thick waist.
- Subterranean termites are the most common type in Michigan and can cause costly structural damage.
- Early detection and professional termite control can prevent a termite infestation from spreading.
What Are Termite Swarmers?
Termite swarmers, also called alates, are the reproductive members of a termite colony. Their job is to leave the nest, find a mate, and start a new colony. Swarming is a natural part of the termite life cycle and typically occurs when the weather warms up, making summer the prime swarming season across Michigan.
These winged termites often show up in groups near windowsills, doors, or outdoor lights. You may see discarded wings left behind, one of the most overlooked early signs of termite activity.
When Do Termite Swarms Happen in Michigan?
Swarming typically starts in late spring and can last through the summer. Subterranean termites, especially the Eastern subterranean termite species, are most active on warm days after rain. If you’re in Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, or other parts of Southwest Michigan, this timing lines up with the local climate.
Because termites swarm to expand and form new colonies, spotting them near your home could mean there’s already a termite colony nearby, or one forming soon.
Signs of Termite Activity
Swarms aren’t the only clue. Look for these signs of termite infestation around your home:
- Discarded wings on windowsills or near doors
- Mud tubes along foundations or crawl spaces
- Hollow-sounding or soft wood
- Buckling floors or paint that looks water-damaged
- Small piles that look like sawdust or termite droppings near wood structures
Worker termites build mud tubes to move between food sources and their nest. If you find them on your foundation or in your basement, it’s time to take action.
Types of Termites Found in Michigan
While drywood termites are common in southern states, Michigan primarily deals with subterranean termites. These termites live in soil and feed on wooden structures from the ground up.
The Eastern subterranean termite is the most widespread termite species in the state. They’re known for their ability to go undetected for years, all while causing severe termite damage behind walls and beneath floors.
Why Termite Swarms Mean Trouble
When termite swarmers appear, it usually signals that a mature colony is nearby. Each mature termite colony can release hundreds of swarmers at a time. And while most of them won’t survive long enough to start new colonies, a few might, especially if conditions around your home are right.
Swarming termites often gather near areas of moisture or wood in contact with the soil. This is why termite prevention includes managing water sources and inspecting crawl spaces and basements to prevent infestations.
DIY Prevention Tips
Homeowners can take a few preventive steps:
- Fix leaks around your foundation and roof.
- Keep firewood and wooden debris away from your house.
- Seal gaps near utility lines and around doors and windows to prevent drafts.
- Make sure gutters and downspouts direct water away from your foundation.
Still, DIY termite prevention has its limits. Pest control professionals can detect hidden colonies and damage that homeowners might miss. A local pest control company can provide peace of mind by offering detailed inspections and treatment options tailored to your home.
Why Professional Termite Control Matters
If you’re seeing swarmers or other signs of termite activity, don’t wait. Termite colonies can live for years, silently eating away at the wood in your home. By the time termite damage is visible, repairs can be costly.
Effective pest management isn’t just about eliminating termites you can see, it’s about preventing future infestations. A comprehensive plan addresses both the colony and the conditions that attract termites in the first place.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, we offer termite treatment options tailored to your home’s structure and level of infestation. Our pest control service combines thorough inspections, targeted treatments, and effective prevention strategies designed explicitly for Michigan homes.
Whether you’re in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, or a nearby township, our local team understands the habits of Michigan’s termite species. We perform thorough inspections, treat active colonies, and create effective prevention plans.
Final Thoughts
Termite swarms in Michigan aren’t just a seasonal nuisance; they’re a warning sign. If you spot swarmers or find signs like mud tubes and discarded wings, act quickly. With the right approach, you can prevent a termite problem from spreading. Working with a provider is the most effective way to protect your home in the long term.
Need help? Pest Pros of Michigan serves homeowners across Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, and many counties in Michigan with thorough inspections and long-lasting termite solutions. Local technicians, familiar with local termite activity, are just a call away.
FAQs
Are termite swarmers dangerous?
Swarmers don’t bite or sting, but they’re a sign of a bigger termite problem.
Can I get rid of termites myself?
DIY methods can slow activity, but they don’t reach the whole termite colony. Professional pest control ensures complete elimination and long-term protection.
Do termites only swarm in summer?
Mainly, swarming occurs in spring and summer, but termite colonies are active year-round.
What do I do if I see flying termites in my house?
Collect a sample, then schedule a termite inspection. It’s the only way to confirm and adequately address the issue.
