Each spring in Michigan, many homeowners begin to see small, winged insects near windows and lights. In places like Grand Rapids and Lansing, termites are common during warm, rainy weather.
These insects are called termite swarmers. They are also known as alates, or reproductive termites. Their job is to leave existing termite colonies and form new colonies. While seeing flying termites can be stressful, knowing what they mean can help you take the right next step.
If you act quickly, you can stop a termite problem before it causes serious structural damage. Here’s what you need to know about termite swarms in Michigan.
Key Takeaways
- Termite swarmers are reproductive termites looking to form new colonies.
- Indoor termite swarms often point to an active termite infestation.
- Subterranean termites are the most common termite species in Michigan.
- Discarded wings on windowsills are a common warning sign.
- A professional termite inspection confirms the level of termite activity.
What Termite Swarmers Mean (And Don’t)
Termite swarmers can be unsettling, especially when they show up around your windows or light fixtures. The truth is, they are an important warning sign, but they do not always mean your home already has major damage.
Here’s what they mean, and what they don’t.
Swarmers Mean a Colony Is Mature
Termite swarmers appear when termite colonies reach a certain size. These winged termites swarm during the spring in Michigan.
Swarming termites do not eat wood. Worker termites feed on cellulose found in wood and other plant materials. Still, seeing swarmers means a nearby colony has been active long enough to produce reproductive termites.
Indoor Swarms May Mean an Active Termite Infestation
If you see large numbers of termite swarmers inside your home, it may point to an active termite infestation. Flying termites are drawn to light. That is why they gather near windowsills, doors, and light fixtures.
If they seem to come from inside walls or floors, there may be hidden termite activity. This can lead to termite damage over time.
Swarmers Do Not Always Mean Major Damage
Not every swarm means you have serious property damage. Sometimes winged termites fly in from outside through open doors or windows during peak swarming season.
However, termite swarms should never be ignored. Even small termite colonies can grow and cause damage if left untreated.
Termite Swarmers vs. Flying Ants
Flying ants and termite swarmers can look almost identical at a glance. If you use a few quick ID checks, you can usually tell which one you’re dealing with.
Straight Antennae vs. Bent Antennae
Termite swarmers have straight antennae. Flying ants have bent or elbowed antennae.
This small detail makes a big difference. Many people confuse flying ants with flying termites. A trained pest control company can help identify the insect correctly.
Equal Wings vs. Uneven Wings
Winged termites have two pairs of wings that are equal in size. Flying ants have longer front wings and shorter back wings.
If you see discarded wings on windowsills, check if they are the same size. Equal wings usually mean termite swarms.
Thick Waist vs. Narrow Waist
Termite swarmers have a thick, straight waist. Flying ants have a thin, pinched waist.
In Michigan, subterranean termites are the main concern. Drywood termites are rare here. Knowing the types of termites in your area helps guide the right termite treatment.
What to Do Right Away (And What to Avoid)
Seeing termite swarmers inside your home can feel urgent. Before you panic or grab a spray, take a few smart steps. Acting carefully now can help you confirm the problem and prevent it from getting worse.
Collect a Sample or Take a Photo
If you can, capture a few termite swarmers in a container or take a clear photo. This helps pest control professionals confirm whether you are dealing with swarming termites or flying ants.
Look for Other Signs of Termite Activity
Check your basement, crawl space, and foundation walls for mud tubes. Subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel from the soil to wood.
Also look for soft wood, blistered paint, or small piles of sawdust. These signs may point to an active termite infestation. Termite colonies can stay hidden for months before you see clear damage.
Avoid Using Random Sprays
Spraying store products may kill a few visible winged termites, but it will not remove the main termite colonies. The real problem is usually underground or inside walls.
A licensed pest control service has the tools and training to treat the full termite infestation, not just the swarmers you see.
What a Pro Checks After a Swarm
After a termite swarm, a professional inspection focuses on finding where termites may be coming from and whether there’s an active colony in or near your home. Here’s what a pro checks first, and why it matters.
Foundation and Exterior Walls
After reports of termite swarms, pest control professionals inspect the outside of your home. They look for mud tubes, cracks, and areas where wood touches soil.
Subterranean termites live underground and travel up into wooden structures. Soil and moisture around foundations in Michigan can support termite activity year-round.
Crawl Spaces and Basements
Crawl spaces are common areas for termite problems. Technicians inspect beams, floor joists, and support posts for signs of worker termites and structural damage.
They also check for moisture, which attracts termites and other pests.
Interior Wood and Hidden Areas
Inside the home, inspectors look for signs of active termite infestation in walls and other wooden structures. They may check areas where discarded wings have collected.
A full-termite inspection helps determine whether you need targeted termite treatment or a broader termite control plan.
Schedule a Termite Inspection in Michigan
If you have seen termite swarmers in your Michigan home or business, do not wait. Termite swarms are one of the clearest signs that termite colonies are nearby.
At Pest Pros of Michigan, our pest control professionals provide detailed termite inspection services for homeowners and commercial properties. We serve communities across Michigan, including Grand Rapids and Lansing.
If we find a termite infestation, we create a custom termite treatment plan to stop termite activity and help protect your property from future damage.
Contact us today using the phone number on our website to schedule your inspection and take control of your termite problem.
FAQs
When is swarming season in Michigan?
Swarming season usually happens in the spring. Warm temperatures and rain often trigger termite swarms.
Does seeing termite swarmers mean I have a termite problem?
It may. Indoor swarms often mean an active termite infestation. A professional termite inspection is the best way to know for sure.
How long do termite swarmers live?
Termite swarmers live only a short time. After landing, they shed their wings and try to form new colonies. Many die if they cannot find soil or food.
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