What This Blog Covers
You’ll get a realistic timeline for subterranean termite swarming in The Woodlands, Texas, what swarmers look like, what not to do, why DIY attempts often miss the real problem, and what a professional inspection actually includes.
If you want to jump straight to service details, our local termite control specialists can help.
What Termite Swarmers Look Like (and How to Tell Them From Flying Ants)
Termite “swarmers” (also called alates) are winged reproductive termites that leave a mature colony to mate and try to start a new one.
A simple way to avoid confusion: termite swarmers and flying ants can both show up around the same time of year, but they have key physical differences.
Quick visual checks you can do at home:
- Wings: Termites have four wings of similar size and length (front and hind wings are very similar).
- Waist: Termites have a thicker, less “pinched” waist than ants.
- Antennae: Termites tend to have straight, beadlike antennae (ants are usually elbowed).
- Discarded wings: After a swarm, you may find piles of shed wings on windowsills or near doors.
Note: If you’re seeing winged insects indoors, treat it as a priority. Even if the swarm started outside, indoor swarmers can indicate termite activity close to (or inside) the structure.
For other local warning signs, see Signs of Termites in The Woodlands, TX.
The Woodlands Termite Swarming Season Timeline (What’s Normal, What’s Not)
The Woodlands, and Texas as a whole, has multiple termite types, and they don’t all swarm at the same time. In general, termite swarming is triggered by heat + moisture—often after rain—once a colony is mature.
Native Subterranean Termites (Common Across Texas)
Texas A&M’s Urban & Structural Entomology program explains that subterranean termite colonies typically produce swarmers once the colony is mature, and those swarmers leave in large numbers during spring and early summer. They also note that termites are weak fliers and generally travel short distances, often relying on wind.
What that means for The Woodlands:
- Swarm activity can begin early in the year and builds as we move toward spring.
- Seeing a swarm near your property can suggest a mature colony is somewhere nearby (not always inside your house).
- Seeing a swarm inside your home typically means there’s an active infestation.
For more information, check out our Subterranean Termites Guide.
Formosan Subterranean Termites (“Mother’s Day Termites”)
In Southeast Texas, Formosan termite swarming often occurs on calm, humid nights, commonly after rain.
Houston Public Media quoted Texas A&M AgriLife Extension specialist Wizzie Brown, who explained that Formosan swarms often line up around Mother’s Day and that swarmers are attracted to lights at night.
Even if you’re not in Houston proper, The Woodlands shares similar climate conditions (warm, humid, rainy periods), so this timing can still be relevant.
What to Do Right Now in The Woodlands (Before Termite Swarm Season)
Termite swarms haven’t started yet, but early February is a smart time to reduce risk and address the conditions that attract termites before spring activity ramps up. A little attention now can help prevent surprises later.
Limit Light That Can Attract Swarmers
While swarming typically happens later in the season, warm and humid evenings can still draw insect activity—especially in areas where Formosan termites are present.
What to do now:
- Turn off or dim exterior lights on warm, humid nights when possible (it’s a good habit to build before swarm season)
- Use warmer, less-attractive exterior bulbs if you have them
- Close blinds or curtains at night if indoor lighting attracts insects to windows
Check for Moisture and Wood-to-Soil Contact Outside
Moisture and direct wood contact are among the most common risk factors for subterranean termites, and winter is an ideal time to spot and address them.
Walk the perimeter of your home and look for:
- Downspouts draining water directly at the foundation
- Standing water near the slab or crawl space
- Wood touching soil (fence pickets, trim, steps, deck posts)
- Mulch piled high against the siding or trim
Correcting these issues now helps lower risk as termite season approaches.
Keep an Eye on Common Trouble Spots Indoors
You’re unlikely to see swarmers yet, but moisture-prone areas can still show early warning signs.
Check:
- Window sills and door thresholds
- Bathrooms and laundry rooms
- Garage corners and utility closet edges
If you notice discarded wings or anything unusual, take a quick photo and collect a small sample in a zip bag for identification.
Consider a Pre-Season Termite Inspection
Even without visible activity, a pre-season inspection can identify conditions termites need before they become a problem.
What Not to Do After a Termite Swarm
Homeowners often do the most understandable thing: they try to kill what they can see immediately. The problem is that swarmers are only a small part of the colony’s life cycle.
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don’t rely on a bug bomb or “fogger.” Swarmers are not the colony; the colony is typically hidden (soil, wall voids, wood members).
- Don’t spray random chemicals into wall voids. It can create a false sense of security and doesn’t confirm the scope of activity.
- Don’t rip out trim or baseboards to “look for termites.” You can create unnecessary repairs and still miss the true pathway.
- Don’t assume “they were outside, so I’m fine.” Termite swarmers are weak fliers and typically travel short distances, so a swarm can indicate termite pressure close to the structure.
Seeing swarmers or worried about spring termite activity?
A professional termite inspection can confirm whether termites are present and identify risk factors before damage occurs.
Schedule a termite inspection in The Woodlands
Why DIY Termite Treatment Often Misses the Colony
DIY termite efforts usually fail for one core reason: they target the symptom (swarmers or one visible spot) rather than the system (the colony + how it’s feeding).
Here’s what DIY commonly misses:
- The colony is usually hidden. Subterranean termites can operate from soil and protected areas that aren’t visible during a quick check.
- Swarmers don’t equal the “main problem.” Swarmers are the reproductive stage, not the full colony doing the damage.
- Multiple entry points are common. Even if you “solve” one spot, moisture and structural conditions can keep creating new opportunities.
If you’re curious about one of the most common professional strategies homeowners ask about, see What Are Termite Bait Systems?.
How Termite Inspections Work (What a Pro Is Actually Checking)
A professional termite inspection is designed to answer two key questions:
- Are termites present—or are there signs that suggest activity?
- What conditions around the home could make termites more likely now or in the future?
When Marathon Pest Control performs a termite inspection, we conduct a detailed evaluation of the home’s exterior and interior (where accessible) to:
- Identify active termites and evidence of past activity
- Assess any existing termite damage
- Flag moisture issues, wood-to-soil contact, and other risk factors that attract termites
This information helps homeowners understand not just whether termites are an issue, but why a home may be vulnerable. If you’re heading into termite season and want to know where your home stands, a professional termite inspection can provide clarity before swarms begin.
Termite Control: What Happens If Activity Is Found
If termites or high-risk conditions are identified, we’ll recommend a treatment plan based on the structure and level of risk.
Our go-to solution for long-term termite protection is baiting. This approach targets the entire colony, including the queen, rather than just visible activity. The bait system is installed in the ground around the home’s perimeter to eliminate existing colonies and help prevent new ones from establishing. It also includes a termite re-treatment warranty for added peace of mind.
Quick FAQs The Woodlands Homeowners Ask During Swarming Season
If I only saw swarmers for one night, am I safe?
Not necessarily. Swarms are often brief, but they can indicate termite pressure in the area.
Do swarmers mean my home is already infested?
Not always. It depends on where the swarm originates. If it happened outside, it may simply be that you’re in a high-pressure area. Swarming insects inside the house is more concerning. Either way, a professional inspection is recommended.
What if I’m Buying or Selling a Home?
Swarm season is a smart time to schedule a termite inspection so you’re not left guessing. While termite inspections aren’t legally required by Texas state law when buying or selling a home, they’re often required for VA- or FHA-backed loans.
Even when an inspection isn’t required by a lender, it’s still strongly recommended. Termite damage can be extensive—and costly—and it’s far better to understand a home’s condition before signing on the dotted line.
When to Call Marathon Pest Control
Contact our local, family-owned pest control company if:
- You see swarmers indoors
- You find piles of wings inside the home
- You see mud tubes, soft spots, or unexplained wood damage
- You’re in The Woodlands, and neighbors are reporting swarm activity
- You simply want peace of mind knowing your home is protected from termites
For a bigger picture overview, you can also read our longer guide: The Ultimate Guide to Termite Control in Texas.
Offering termite control in The Woodlands and surrounding areas since 2016, Marathon Pest Control provides service you can depend on.
