Symptoms
- Winged insects appearing suddenly indoors, often near a window or light source
- Discarded, uniform-sized wings left in small piles afterward
- Insects with straight antennae and a thick waist (versus flying ants, which have bent antennae and a pinched waist)
Likely causes
- CommonMature termite colony releasing reproductive swarmersColonies periodically send out winged termites to start new colonies, and this is often the first visible sign of an infestation.
- PossibleFlying ants mistaken for termitesFlying ants look similar at a glance but have different body and wing shapes and don't indicate termites.
What to do
- Look closely at a captured or dead specimen (or a clear photo) to check antennae shape and waist thickness to distinguish termites from flying ants.
- Collect a few specimens in a sealed bag or container for a pest professional to positively identify.
- Note where indoors the swarmers appeared, since that's often close to where the colony is active.
- Avoid vacuuming or cleaning up all evidence immediately if you want a professional identification first.
- Check nearby wood, baseboards, or window frames for other termite signs like mud tubes or damaged wood.
- Schedule a professional termite inspection promptly, since indoor swarmers are a strong indicator of an active nearby colony.
- Follow the recommended treatment plan from a licensed pest control company.
Tools and parts
- Sealed container or bag
- Flashlight
When to call a pro
Call a licensed pest control company promptly for identification and treatment.
Safety
Generally low risk
Generally low risk for a careful person. Stop if anything looks different from what this guide describes.