Termite swarming is the method by which termite colonies reproduce and disperse, typically occurring in spring or early summer.

In a mature termite colony (usually requiring 3–5 years to reach swarming scale), the colony produces hundreds to thousands of winged reproductives.

These alates have dark bodies and two pairs of equal-length translucent wings and emerge from the colony after a warm spring rain.

Males and females pair up, land, shed their wings, and search for a suitable nesting site to establish a new colony.

Swarming is the time of year when termites are most visible to humans — alates are attracted to light and are often found near doors and windows; piles of discarded wings on windowsills and floors are a classic sign of termite infestation.

If numerous alates are found indoors, it indicates a termite nest located inside the building or in the foundation immediately adjacent to the structure.

Note: Swarming alates do not bite people or cause damage — their sole mission is reproduction.