Termite Swarm Season in North Mississippi: What to Look For this Spring

April showers bring May flowers. Unfortunately, April showers (and warmer, humid weather) also trigger the start of termite swarm season.

Termite swarmers are often the first warning sign that trouble is afoot. While the swarmers themselves do not destroy wood, they indicate the presence of a nearby mature colony. If you’ve found the swarmers already inside your home, it’s possible that you already have an infestation brewing.

Jump to Section

• When Is Termite Swarm Season in North Mississippi?
• What Do Termite Swarmers Look Like?
• What Do Termite Swarmers Mean?
• Why Are Flying Termites Showing up in My House This April?
• FAQs About Termite Swarms
• Choosing Termite Control in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS

In this article, we’ll share everything that you ought to know about termite swarmers in Mississippi. Often, swarmers do us the favor of helping homeowners catch a potential termite problem before it becomes serious. But sometimes, the damage is already underway.

For these reasons, it’s critical that you call a termite control expert if you’ve spotted swarmers.

Read on to learn more about swarm season and what it might mean for your North Mississippi home.

When Is Termite Swarm Season in North Mississippi?

Termite season in North Mississippi typically occurs when the weather shifts from dry to cool to warm and humid. This is often associated with weather fronts passing through that produce severe or strong thunderstorms.

Here in North Mississippi, April is generally the start of termite swarm season. Generally, prime termite season is April through June, with swarms occurring on warm sunny days following rain.

It’s not uncommon to have additional periods of swarming in the fall, during transitional and stormy weather.

What Do Termite Swarmers Look Like?

Termite swarmers are reproductive termites leaving a colony to start a new one. They are dark, winged insects that usually shed their wings after landing.

One potential sign of a termite swarm is finding piles of these shedded wings around the home. Swarmers are attracted to light and commonly leave their wings near light fixtures or sometimes on windowsills.

What Do Termite Swarmers Mean?

Finding termite swarmers indicates a mature colony nearby. A colony is generally around for 3 to 5 years before producing swarmers because it must reach a mature population size.

Generally, termite swarmers are weak flyers so it’s unlikely that they will go too far from their colony. That’s why finding swarmers or signs of a termite swarm near or inside of your home is alarming. You should take action immediately by calling a termite control expert.

Why Are Flying Termites Showing up in My House This April?

The weather in April creates optimal conditions (high humidity and warmer temperatures) for termite reproduction and colony formation. While swarmers themselves do not destroy wood, they are a warning sign of a nearby colony.

Many termite swarms show up outdoors, but if you have a termite swarm in your house, that’s an even stronger indicator of a possible existing termite infestation. Finding winged termites around a home is definitely a reason to call a termite control expert.

If you see signs of termites or swarmers in your house, call an expert and leave the area alone.

We want to stress how important it is to leave the area untouched. We know it’s tempting to take immediate action yourself, but you might be delaying the termite inspection process.

Often, homeowners will spray an insecticide in the area, which might temporarily keep termites away, but it also makes identification and assessment very difficult for your technician. In the long term, these sprays do more harm than good.

FAQs About Termite Swarms

Termite swarmers in Mississippi are definitely alarming, and we want to make sure you are fully informed. Here’s a recap of some of the most important information, as well as answers to common questions.

Does a termite swarm mean I have an infestation?

Finding winged termites around a home does not always mean you have an infestation, but it’s definitely a strong indicator that there is a colony nearby (within 100 yards). If the swarm is already inside your home, there’s a good chance you may have an existing infestation.

If you’re experiencing a termite swarm, this warrants a call to a termite control expert. A termite inspection after a swarm is important to identify any existing problems and get corrective steps underway immediately.

Time is always of the essence with termite situations, so act fast.

Are termite swarmers dangerous, or are they a warning sign?

Termite swarmers are not dangerous in that they do not bite or sting. But yes, termite swarmers in Mississippi are definitely a warning sign. They indicate that a termite colony is nearby.

Since a colony must be around 3 to 5 years old to produce swarmers, the presence of swarmers also indicates a mature colony.

If you find swamers inside,  that is a red flag that you may have an infestation.

What is the difference between flying ants and termite swarmers?

Flying ants and flying termites in a house are easily confused.

A key way to tell the difference is the body shape. While swarmers have straight waists, straight antennae, and four equal-length wings, flying ants have pinched waists, bent antennae, and front wings that are longer than their back wings. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to call in an expert.

Should I schedule a termite inspection after seeing a swarm?

Yes, termite inspection after a swarm is important to identify whether you have an existing infestation. Even if you don’t, you have the threat of one looming. A termite swarm indicates that a mature colony is nearby.

Call a pro to implement termite prevention before it’s too late.

You do not want to give termites the opportunity to feast on your home.

Can a termite swarm happen outside before termites are found inside the home?

Yes, termite swarms typically do happen outside before termites are found in a home. That’s why they’re a great warning sign to take action before it’s too late.

You might notice a swarm around tree stumps, wood piles, or other outdoor sources of wood. It’s great if you can spot a termite swarm outdoors and implement preventative steps to keep termites out of your home.

Choosing Termite Control in Tupelo, Oxford & New Albany, MS

Due to the serious nature of a termite threat, you definitely want to make a wise choice when it comes to termite control in Tupelo, Oxford, and New Albany, MS. You want to choose a professional service that is diligent in detecting active termites and preventing infestations.

If you’ve already spotted winged termites around your home, then it’s important to take action right away. It’s not worth the risk of waiting, as it could lead to costly structural damage.

At Lawn & Pest Solutions, we are Certified Sentricon Specialists® and can install non-invasive bait stations around your home to provide you with the ultimate in targeted subterranean termite control. Then, each year, we can conduct interior and exterior termite inspections to confirm these hungry pests stay away for good.

Truthfully, even if you do not have active termites or see signs of termites in your house, it’s still wise to invest in termite control. This proactive approach can save your home from costly damage.

Ease your mind and give Lawn & Pest Solutions a call. You can receive a complimentary inspection, and we can provide a thorough plan to eliminate termites, help prevent further infestations, and protect your home.

We want you to be able to relax in your home. Give us a call today, and we’ll bring our proven termite-control experience to create a custom plan for your home in New Albany, MS. Get started today with a free quote.