Can Termites Fly? What It Means for Your San Jose Property
- Lauren Willard
- Jun 26
- 2 min read
Yes, Termites Can Fly—And It Means Trouble
If you’ve seen winged insects around your windows or lights—especially in the spring—you may be seeing termite swarmers. And while they can fly, they aren’t harmless. Flying termites are a sign of an active colony nearby—and a serious risk to your home.
Why Do Termites Fly?
Flying termites are reproductive adults from an established colony. They emerge in warm, humid conditions—like a San Jose spring afternoon—looking to mate and start new colonies.
After swarming:
They shed their wings
Pair up with a mate
Seek wood to establish a nest (possibly inside your house)
This swarming phase is brief, but what happens after can cause long-term damage.
Where You Might See Them in San Jose Homes
Near windowsills and sliding doors
Around porch lights or indoor lighting
In attics or garages
Outside near mulch beds or fence posts
If swarmers are indoors, it usually means a termite colony is already inside your structure.
Flying Termite vs. Flying Ant: Know the Difference
Feature | Flying Termite | Flying Ant |
Wings | 4 equal-sized wings | 2 larger front wings |
Waist | Thick, straight | Narrow and pinched |
Antennae | Straight or slightly curved | Bent (elbowed) |
Take a photo and send it to us—we ID swarmers for free.
What to Do if You See Flying Termites
Collect a sample or photo
Don’t ignore it—swarmers inside = active colony nearby
Avoid spraying DIY pesticides (they scatter colonies)
Call a licensed termite inspector
Things to Know:
Termites fly during mating season—usually in spring and early summer
Flying termites are reproductive stage, not a separate species
Swarming termites signal an active colony nearby
Swarmers shed wings after landing to start a new colony
Flying termites inside the home require urgent inspection
Don’t confuse swarmers with flying ants—look at the waist and wings
Good Sense Termite provides fast swarmer identification and expert inspections
FAQ
Q: Do flying termites cause damage? A: Flying termites themselves don’t cause damage—but they’re a sign that a mature, destructive colony is already active nearby or inside your home.
Q: Are flying termites dangerous to humans? A: No. They don’t bite or sting. But they are a warning sign that serious structural damage may be happening out of sight.
Q: Can I kill flying termites with bug spray? A: Spraying swarmers won’t solve the root problem. A professional inspection is necessary to find and eliminate the colony.
Q: When do termites usually swarm in San Jose? A: From March through June, especially after rain followed by warm, sunny weather.
Spot Flying Termites? Don’t Wait.
Good Sense Termite offers fast, accurate inspections and treatment plans to stop termite colonies before they cause costly damage. Flying termites are your home’s early warning system—act on it.
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