Protecting Your Home in a Termite Swarm - Queens Termites and Pest Solutions

Termite Swarm Season in Arizona: What Every Homeowner Needs to Know

Here in Arizona, spring brings more than just beautiful weather and blooming cacti – it also marks the beginning of termite swarm season. As your trusted local termite specialists for over 20 years, we’re seeing an uptick in calls about “flying termites” appearing suddenly in homes across the state.

Understanding Termite Swarms in Arizona

Termite swarms are a natural part of the termite life cycle, but they can be alarming when they appear in or around your home. These swarms consist of winged reproductive termites (known as “alates”) that leave their established colonies to create new ones – and unfortunately, your home could be their next target.

In Arizona, we typically see termite swarm activity from March through May, particularly after rainfall when the soil is moist and temperatures rise above 70°F. The desert’s unique climate creates perfect conditions for both subterranean termites (which nest in soil) and drywood termites (which live entirely within wood structures).

How to Identify a Termite Swarm

Many homeowners confuse termite swarms with flying ants, but the differences are significant:

Wings: Termites have four wings of equal length, while flying ants have larger front wings and smaller back wings
Antennae: Termites have straight antennae, while ants have bent, “elbow-shaped” antennae
Waist: Termites have a thick waist, while flying ants have a distinct pinched waist

If you find discarded wings around window sills, door frames, or light fixtures, that’s a telltale sign that termites have swarmed inside your home and have shed their wings after landing.

What a Swarm Means for Your Home

Here’s the critical information homeowners need to understand: A termite swarm near or inside your home often indicates an existing termite colony nearby. While the swarmers themselves don’t cause damage (they’re focused on reproduction, not feeding), their presence suggests worker termites may already be feeding on your property.

In Arizona, termites cause millions of dollars in property damage annually, and our arid climate means the damage often goes undetected until it’s extensive. Unlike states with higher humidity, our termites can remain active year-round, particularly in heated homes during winter.

Protecting Your Arizona Home from Termites

Immediate Steps If You See a Swarm:

Document the activity: Take photos or videos of the swarmers and where they’re appearing
Collect samples: Place a few specimens in a sealed container for identification
Contact professionals: Schedule a comprehensive termite inspection immediately

Preventative Measures:

Reduce soil-to-wood contact: Keep wooden structures at least 6 inches above soil
Eliminate moisture issues: Fix leaky pipes, faucets, and A/C units promptly
Reduce potential food sources: Keep firewood and lumber away from your home’s foundation
Seal entry points: Caulk cracks and crevices in your home’s foundation

The Queens Difference

We understand how our unique desert environment affects termite behavior. Our comprehensive termite protection plans are specifically designed for Arizona homes, using treatments that stand up to our extreme heat and limited rainfall.

Our certified technicians receive specialized training in identifying both native and invasive termite species found in Arizona, including the particularly destructive Formosan subterranean termites that have been making inroads into our state.

Schedule Your Termite Inspection Today

Don’t wait until you see a swarm to think about termite protection. By the time swarmers appear, damage may already be underway. Our thorough inspections can detect termite activity before it leads to costly repairs.

Queens Termites and Pest Solution