What to Do When You See a Termite Swarm

📋 Steps

Capture a few insects in a clear bag

Capture 5-10 insects in a small plastic bag. This specimen is critical for identification — termites vs. flying ants require different responses. Do not crush them. A phone photo in good light is also useful for remote identification.

Don't spray the swarm with aerosol

Do not spray the swarm with Raid or any aerosol. Killing the swarming reproductives does not affect the colony — the workers in the soil are causing the damage. Spraying repellents at this point may actually complicate professional treatment later by driving the colony to scatter.

Note exactly where they emerged

Mark with tape or photograph the location(s) where swarmers emerged (cracks in the floor, around a window frame, from a baseboard). This tells the inspector where to focus — it's the most direct indicator of colony location.

Identify: termites or ants?

Termites: equal-length wings (both pairs same size); thick waist; straight antennae. Flying ants: unequal wings (front pair larger); pinched waist; elbowed antennae. This identification determines urgency. Termites = call for WDO inspection within 1-2 weeks. Ants = less urgent.

Schedule a professional WDO inspection within 2 weeks

A swarm inside the structure confirms a mature, established colony. Schedule a licensed WDO inspector within 1-2 weeks. The swarm itself is over in a few hours — the colony damage continues daily.

💡 Tips

A termite swarm lasts 30-60 minutes and doesn't repeat the same day — the urgency is not the swarm itself but the established colony it represents
Finding shed wings in a window sill after an unwitnessed swarm is common — collect some for identification
Subterranean termite swarms occur after rain + warm temperatures, typically March-May in the South; April-June in the North
Some homeowners go years without seeing a swarm despite active colonies — annual professional inspection catches activity regardless of swarm events

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💰 Cost to Fix This Problem

Approach	Typical Cost	Best For
DIY materials only	$20–$60	Mild or early-stage infestations
Professional service (one-time)	$500–$2,000	Active infestations or when DIY has already failed
Ongoing service contract	$400–$800/yr	Prevention and long-term peace of mind

Approach

Typical Cost

Best For

DIY materials only

$20–$60

Mild or early-stage infestations

Professional service (one-time)

$500–$2,000

Active infestations or when DIY has already failed

Ongoing service contract

$400–$800/yr

Prevention and long-term peace of mind

Costs vary by region, property size, and severity. Get at least two quotes before hiring.

✅ How to Know It's Working

Pest control success is measured in weeks, not days. Here's what to look for:

Week 1–2: You may see increased activity as pests are flushed from hiding. This is normal.

Week 2–4: Activity should drop noticeably. Bait traps or sticky monitors should show declining counts.

Week 4–6: New activity near zero. Any resurgence means a population was missed or re-introduction occurred.

💡 Monitoring tip: Place sticky traps in corners and along walls before you start treatment. Counting catches weekly gives you objective data on whether the population is declining.

👷 When to Call a Professional

DIY is appropriate for small, contained infestations caught early. Call a licensed professional when:

You've tried DIY twice with no lasting improvement

The infestation involves a wall void, crawlspace, or area you can't safely access

There's a health risk involved (hantavirus, anaphylaxis risk, etc.)

The problem covers more than one room or a large outdoor area

You have children, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals in the household

⚠️ Rule of thumb: If you've spent more on DIY materials than a professional visit would cost, it's time to call.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I inspect my home for termites?

Annual professional inspections are recommended for all homes in termite-prone regions. Homeowners should additionally inspect quarterly by checking the foundation perimeter for mud tubes and examining crawl space wood for damage.

What does a termite inspector look for?

Inspectors examine the foundation perimeter for mud shelter tubes, probe exposed wood for hollow sections, check moisture levels in wood, inspect plumbing penetrations, and look for swarm evidence like discarded wings near windows.

Can I do my own termite inspection?

You can perform a basic inspection by checking for mud tubes, tapping exposed wood with a screwdriver to find hollow sections, and monitoring for swarmers in spring. Professional inspectors have moisture meters and thermal imaging that catch subtle damage homeowners miss.

How much does a professional termite inspection cost?

Most pest control companies offer free inspections as part of their sales process. Independent inspections typically cost $75-$150. Annual monitoring contracts run $200-$400 per year depending on home size and region.

What to Do When You See a Termite Swarm

📋 Steps

💡 Tips

💰 Cost to Fix This Problem

✅ How to Know It's Working

👷 When to Call a Professional

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

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