Termites Are Already Swarming in NW Florida — What Homeowners Need to Do Right Now
If you're seeing swarms of small flying insects around your windows, doors, or lights — don't wait. Termite swarm season in Northwest Florida is underway, triggered by the recent dramatic weather changes. Swarmers are not just a nuisance — they are the signal that a mature termite colony is nearby, and that colony has been quietly eating your home for years.
Why Are Termites Swarming Right Now?
Termites swarm in response to environmental triggers — specifically sudden changes in temperature and humidity following rain. The Florida Panhandle's dramatic winter-to-spring weather swings are exactly the conditions that cause established colonies to release swarmers.
Swarm season in NW Florida typically runs from late February through Father's Day in June, peaking in March and April. The warm, wet weather we're seeing right now is prime swarming weather — and this year's early warm stretch has pushed activity ahead of schedule.
What Are Termite Swarmers?
Swarmers (also called alates) are the reproductive members of a termite colony — winged males and females sent out to start new colonies. A single mature colony can release hundreds to thousands of swarmers at once. They're not good at flying, so they don't travel far — most land, shed their wings, and attempt to pair up near the original colony.
Key point: Seeing swarmers means a mature colony already exists nearby. Colonies typically don't produce swarmers until they're 3–5 years old. If they're swarming from inside your home, the infestation has been active for years.
What to Do If You See Swarming Termites
- Don't spray them with bug spray — killing the swarmers does nothing to the colony. It's like pulling the fire alarm instead of fighting the fire.
- Note where they're coming from — if they're emerging from walls, floors, or the foundation, that's where the colony access point is. Take a photo.
- Look for discarded wings — after swarming, termites shed their wings immediately. Piles of small translucent wings near windowsills or baseboards are a strong indicator of recent swarmer activity inside your home.
- Call a licensed termite inspector immediately — the longer you wait, the more damage accumulates. A professional inspection will locate the colony access points and assess structural damage.
Swarmers Outside vs. Inside — Does It Matter?
Outside: Swarmers near your foundation, in the yard, or around exterior lights mean a colony exists in the soil near your home. Still urgent — they're actively looking to establish inside.
Inside: Swarmers emerging from walls, floors, or baseboards inside your home mean the colony has already breached your structure. This requires immediate professional attention.
How Cadenhead Services Responds to Swarm Season
We are a Certified Sentricon Specialist serving Crestview, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Freeport, Milton, and all of NW Florida. Sentricon bait systems eliminate the entire termite colony — not just the swarmers you can see.
If you've seen swarmers at your home, call us today. We'll inspect, identify the species and entry points, and get treatment started before the damage goes further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are termite swarmers dangerous to people?
No — they don't bite or sting. The danger is entirely structural. Swarmers themselves cause no harm, but the colony producing them absolutely does.
How long does termite swarming last?
Individual swarms last 30–60 minutes. But swarm season in NW Florida runs from late winter through Father's Day in June — multiple swarm events can occur throughout that period from the same colony.
Do termites swarm every year?
Established colonies typically swarm once per year when conditions are right. If you saw swarmers last year and didn't treat, the colony is a year larger and more destructive than it was.
Can I treat termites myself?
Over-the-counter products are largely ineffective against subterranean termite colonies. The colony lives deep in the soil and wood — surface sprays don't reach it. Professional treatment with Sentricon or licensed liquid termiticides is required for effective elimination.
Seeing swarmers? Call now. (850) 682-4333 — Cadenhead Services, FL License JB365. Same-day inspections available.
