A monsoon storm rolls through, the air cools off, and that evening you find dozens of winged insects around a porch light or a pile of shed wings on the windowsill. Some homeowners shrug it off as flying ants. Sometimes that's right. Sometimes it's termites, and it's worth knowing which before you decide what to do.
Why termites swarm after rain
Subterranean termites are the main structural termite threat in the Phoenix area. Here that mostly means the desert subterranean termite (Heterotermes aureus) and arid-land subterranean termites in the genus Reticulitermes. Both live in colonies in the soil and travel to wood through mud tubes.
Once a colony is mature, it sends out winged reproductives, called swarmers or alates, to start new colonies. They need moist soil to do that, so timing matters.
- Desert subterranean termites tend to swarm after summer monsoon rains, often in the evening or at night, and are drawn to lights.
- Arid-land subterranean termites commonly swarm in spring, usually on warm days after rain.
That's why West Valley homeowners see swarms in two waves: once in spring and again during or right after monsoon season.
Swarmers vs. flying ants
Winged ants also swarm after rain, so mix-ups are common. If you can catch one, or find a few on a windowsill, look closely. A phone photo zoomed in usually shows enough.
Termite swarmers
- Straight antennae, like a string of beads
- Thick, straight waist with no pinch between body sections
- Two pairs of wings about the same length, longer than the body
- Wings break off easily, so you'll often find piles of shed wings
- Color varies by species: monsoon swarmers are pale yellow-brown, spring swarmers are dark brown to nearly black
Flying ants
- Elbowed antennae with a clear bend
- Pinched, narrow waist
- Front wings noticeably longer than the back wings
- Wings stay attached more often
If you're still not sure, save a few in a plastic bag or text a photo. Bryce can usually tell from a clear picture. For more on ant species around here, see our ants page.
What a swarm actually means
Swarmers outside, around a block wall or rock bed, tell you there's a mature colony somewhere nearby. That's normal in the desert and doesn't automatically mean your home is affected.
Swarmers inside are a different story. If they're coming out of a baseboard, a slab crack, a window frame, or a wall, there's a good chance a colony has found a way into the structure. Swarmers inside a house don't survive long, but the colony that produced them is still working.
Keep perspective. Termites work slowly, and a swarm isn't a reason to panic or sign something on the spot. It is a reason to get a proper inspection soon.
Other signs to check for
While you're paying attention, look for these around your home:
- Mud tubes on the stem wall, foundation, block walls, or garage slab, often about pencil width
- Mud in cracks in the slab, along expansion joints, or around plumbing penetrations
- Hollow-sounding or blistered wood on baseboards, door frames, or patio posts
- Damaged drywall with small pinholes or a rippled look
- Shed wings on windowsills, in spider webs, or near light fixtures
Slab homes with stucco walls are common in the West Valley, and termites can travel up behind stucco and through slab cracks without being obvious. Irrigation that keeps soil wet against the foundation makes things easier for them.
What to do if you find swarmers
- Don't spray them with a store-bought can. Killing swarmers doesn't touch the colony, and it can make it harder to find where they came from.
- Collect a few. Clear tape or a sealed bag works fine.
- Note where they appeared. Which room, which wall, near what window or fixture.
- Leave mud tubes alone until they've been inspected. Breaking them up removes evidence.
- Check moisture. Fix leaking drippers or sprinklers that wet the foundation.
How we handle termites
Termite work is quoted separately from our general pest plans, and it starts with a free inspection. Bryce walks the exterior, the garage, the slab edges, and the inside of the home looking for active tubes, damage, and conditions that favor termites. You'll get honest findings. If there's no activity, we'll tell you.
When treatment is needed, it's backed by warranty, and Bryce explains the plan before any work starts. Learn more on our termite control service page or read about subterranean termites in our pest library.
When to call
If you found winged insects inside, or you see mud tubes anywhere on the house, give us a call. Quotes and termite inspections are free. The quickest way to start is to text a photo of the insects or tubes to (623) 363-3124. Bryce owns the company and does the inspections and treatments himself. You can also reach us on our contact page.