Termite Swarm Season In Arkansas
It’s Termite Swarm Season in Arkansas: Don’t Panic, Here’s the Plan
We are officially in the midst of termite swarm season here in Central Arkansas. For homeowners, seeing a cloud of black flying insects inside or near your home can be alarming. However, while a swarm is a serious sign of activity, it is a predictable yearly event. And, with four generations of experience, the team at Legacy Termite & Pest Control is here to handle it for you.
The Quick Answer: What are termite swarmers?
Termite swarmers (alates) are winged termites sent out by an established colony to reproduce and start new colonies. They typically emerge in the mid-to-late spring when Central Arkansas temperatures and humidity levels are high. While swarmers do not eat wood themselves, their presence indicates a mature colony is nearby or already inside your structure.
The Anatomy of a Termite Swarm
Unlike the translucent, “white” worker termites that stay hidden in the wood or soil, swarmers are black and have two pairs of wings. They emerge in the hundreds or thousands through “staging tubes.”
In places like Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Conway, where humidity from the Arkansas River can trigger these events, it is common to find discarded wings on windowsills or near doorways. This is because swarmers are attracted to sunlight and shed their wings shortly after taking flight to begin the next stage of their life cycle.
A Common Misconception: Termite Swarmers vs. Flying Ants
One of the most frequent calls we get across all our offices is from homeowners unsure if they are looking at ants or termites. To the untrained eye, they look nearly identical, but there are three key anatomical differences:
| Feature | Termite Swarmers | Flying Ants |
| Body Shape | Straight, uniform body (no “waist”) | Segmented body with a pinched waist |
| Wings | Two pairs of equal length | Two pairs of different lengths |
| Antennae | Straight and “beaded” | Elbowed or “bent” |
If you see these pests but aren’t 100% sure which one you’re dealing with, don’t guess. It is always better to be safe than sorry—give us a call and we’ll diagnose the problem for you.
What to Do if You See a Termite Swarm
If you witness a swarm inside your home, don’t panic. Here is the immediate checklist:
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Do Not Spray Them: Using a can of bug spray might kill the swarmers you see, but it won’t touch the colony in the walls. It can also make it harder for our technicians to find the “source” point.
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Save a Sample: Catch a few in a jar or a plastic bag. This helps us confirm the species immediately.
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Call Your Local Legacy Office: If you are already under a Legacy Termite Contract, we will come out, diagnose the source, and treat the colony free of charge. If not, we’re happy to serve you as well!
The Legacy Guarantee: 4 Generations of Protection
Termite protection is about more than just a one-time spray; it’s about a long-term partnership. If you’re on a Legacy protection plan, we don’t just kill the bugs, we stand by our work. If a colony causes damage while you are under our protection, we will repair the damage to your home. With nearly a century of family experience, we’ve seen every type of infestation Arkansas can throw at us. You can rest easy knowing your “Legacy” is in good hands.
Termite Swarm Fun Facts
- Termite Swarmers are black in order to provide increased protection from sunlight during their flight away from the colony.
- Termite Swarmers will wait at the end of their staging tube for the perfect humidity and temperature condition to make their move.
- After the initial flight and mating phase, the two founding termites transform into the king and queen of the new colony.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do termite swarmers eat my furniture?
A: No. Swarmers exist solely to reproduce. However, they are a “red flag” that workers (the ones that do eat wood) are nearby.
Q: Why did they swarm inside my house instead of outside?
A: If a colony is located in or directly under your foundation, the swarmers may accidentally emerge through a crack in the floor or a wall void, leading them into your living space.
