Why Termites Swarm?
(and what every homeowner should know before the next warm, rainy day)
1 | Swarming: Nature’s Way of Starting New Colonies
A termite “swarm” is the marriage flight of a mature colony. Winged males and females (called alates or swarmers) leave the nest, pair up, shed their wings and try to establish a brand‑new colony in damp, cellulose‑rich soil. Eastern subterranean termites—the only species responsible for structural damage in New Jersey—do this once a year when conditions are just right.
2 | The New Jersey Swarm Calendar
| Typical window | Peak activity | Time of day | Weather trigger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late March – early June | Mid‑April to mid‑May | Late‑morning to mid‑afternoon | The first 1–2 warm (≈70 °F), humid days that follow rain |
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Rutgers and local pest‐control field data show flights as early as late March in South Jersey’s coastal plain and as late as early June in cooler northwest counties.
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In 2024, professional pest managers rated the season “average,” blaming an unusually dry April for fewer visible swarms—proof that weather, not the calendar, is the real switch. Pest Control Technology
3 | Why New Jersey’s Climate Is Perfect for Swarmers
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Coastal humidity & sandy loam soils keep the upper 12‑inches of soil moist—ideal for founding pairs.
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Mild, often rainy springs give swarmers the 90–95 % relative humidity they need to survive long enough to mate.
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Dense housing & mature hardwood landscaping provide endless wood sources and shaded, temperature‑stable microclimates along foundations.
4 | A Swarm Is a Red Flag—Here’s What It Tells You
| Where you see them | What it probably means |
|---|---|
| Indoors (bathroom, basement window, dropped wings on sill) | A colony is already inside the structure or right beneath the slab. Immediate inspection is critical. |
| Outside near mulch beds, tree stumps, fence posts | A colony is in the yard, often 10–50 ft away, and can reach the house in months. |
| Under porch lights at dusk | Neighboring properties have active colonies; your home is in their flight path. |
A single established nest can eat ≈ 3–5 g of wood per day, translating to thousands of dollars in hidden damage over a few years.
5 | How to Tell Termite Swarmers from Flying Ants
| Feature | Termite Swarmer | Flying Ant |
|---|---|---|
| Waist | Straight | Pinched (hourglass) |
| Wings | Two equal pairs, twice body length, shed easily | Front wings longer than hind wings, not shed |
| Antennae | Straight, bead‑like | Elbowed |
(Keep a sample in a zip‑lock for your pest professional—ID is easier under a loupe.)
6 | Pre‑Swarm To‑Do List for Garden‑State Homeowners
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Reduce soil‑to‑wood contact: Maintain an 18‑inch clearance between siding/frame and soil grade; keep mulch < 2 in deep and 6 in from the foundation.
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Fix moisture sources: Repair gutter leaks, redirect downspouts, install vapor barriers in crawl spaces.
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Store lumber & firewood at least 20 ft from the house and 6 in off the ground.
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Schedule an annual inspection each March–April; bait‑station monitoring or a pre‑construction barrier is far cheaper than post‑damage repair.
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Act within 24 h of an indoor swarm—colony relocation inside wall voids happens fast.
7 | Partner with a Local Expert
Action Termite & Pest Control has protected New Jersey homes for 50+ years with Integrated Termite Management—combining soil barriers, in‑ground baiting and smart moisture corrections. If you’ve spotted swarmers (or just their wings), call 800‑920‑0903 for a no‑obligation inspection and written plan.
The sooner you interrupt a swarm, the less you’ll spend on repairs—and the less of your home the termites will own.