What to Do Immediately When You See Swarming Termites
Stay calm — and act fast. Seeing swarming termites is alarming, but the swarmers themselves aren't the emergency. The colony producing them is. Here's exactly what to do, in order.
Step 1 — Don't Spray Them
The instinct is to grab a can of bug spray. Don't. Killing the swarmers does absolutely nothing to the colony that produced them. You'd be swatting at smoke while the fire burns. You'll also make it harder for a professional to assess the situation by contaminating the area.
Step 2 — Figure Out Where They're Coming From
Watch the swarmers and trace them back to their emergence point. Common locations:
- Cracks in the foundation or slab
- Gaps around baseboards or door frames
- Wall voids (swarmers coming out of walls)
- Expansion joints in concrete floors
- Wooden window frames or door frames
- Soil at the exterior foundation
The emergence point tells the inspector exactly where to start. Mark it or take a photo.
Step 3 — Take Photos
Photograph the swarm in progress, the emergence point, and any discarded wings you find. This is useful for identification and helps the inspector understand the scope before they arrive.
Step 4 — Collect a Sample If You Can
Capture two or three insects in a zip-lock bag or sealed container. This allows for species identification — important because Formosan and native subterranean termites have different treatment considerations and urgency levels.
Step 5 — Call a Licensed Termite Specialist Today
Not tomorrow. Not after the weekend. Today. The swarm will end on its own within an hour — but the colony continues feeding around the clock. Every day without treatment is continued structural damage.
Cadenhead Services offers same-day inspections during swarm season for Crestview, Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, and surrounding areas. Call (850) 682-4333.
Step 6 — After the Inspector Leaves, Understand Your Options
A qualified termite inspector will tell you:
- What species you're dealing with
- Where the colony is accessing your structure
- The extent of visible damage
- Treatment options and what each accomplishes
For established colonies inside a structure, we recommend Sentricon bait systems — they eliminate the entire colony including the queen, not just the termites at the surface. Liquid perimeter treatments alone won't reach a colony that's already entrenched in your walls.
What NOT to Do
- ❌ Don't spray pesticides at the swarm or emergence point
- ❌ Don't seal the emergence point with caulk — this traps termites inside and can push them deeper into the structure
- ❌ Don't wait and see if they come back — they won't swarm again until next year, but feeding never stops
- ❌ Don't assume outdoor swarmers mean you're safe — exterior swarmers are actively looking to get inside
Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly can termites cause serious damage?
A mature Formosan colony can cause significant structural damage within months. Native subterranean colonies are slower but equally relentless over time. There is no safe waiting period after a swarm.
Will termites swarm again if I don't treat?
The same colony will swarm again next season. Meanwhile, the colony continues growing and feeding year-round.
Is one swarm enough to start a new colony in my home?
Swarmers from outside can establish new colonies if they find suitable conditions. Moisture problems, wood-to-soil contact, and cracks in the foundation are all invitations. This is why exterior swarms should also be taken seriously.
Seeing swarmers right now? Call (850) 682-4333 immediately. Same-day inspections available. Cadenhead Services — Certified Sentricon Specialist, FL License JB365.
