Picture this: you notice a cloud of tiny winged insects gathering near your porch light—or worse, fluttering near your windows inside the house. It only lasts a few hours, but what you’ve just witnessed could be the start of a serious problem: a termite swarm.
At STL Pest Control, we’ve seen firsthand how termite swarms catch homeowners off guard. If you’ve spotted these pests in St. Louis, don’t ignore them. Here’s everything you need to know in a simple, Q&A format to help you take quick, smart action.
Q: What Exactly Is a Termite Swarm?
A termite swarm is when reproductive termites (called alates) take flight to start new colonies. It’s nature’s way of spreading termite populations—and your first visible clue that termites may be nearby.
Swarming usually happens after rainfall, during warm, humid days. It’s short-lived, but it signals one big thing: a mature termite colony may already be established close to your home.
Q: Do All Flying Bugs Mean Termites?
Not at all—but it’s important to know the difference. Here’s how termite swarmers stand out:
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Straight body (no narrow waist like ants)
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Four equal-length wings, longer than the body
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Straight antennae
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Dark brown to black in color
If you’re not sure, take a picture and give us a call—we’ll help ID them for free.
Q: Where Do Termite Swarms Typically Show Up in St. Louis Homes?
We most often see swarms in:
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Basements, crawl spaces, and window sills
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Near outdoor lighting
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Around foundations, mulch beds, or wooden decks
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Anywhere with moisture or soft wood
The termites are attracted to light and moisture—two things many homes in our area have plenty of.
Q: What Should I Do If I See a Swarm?
Here’s what we recommend:
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Don’t spray or disturb them—swarmers themselves won’t destroy wood, but they point to a colony that can.
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Document it—snap a photo and note the time and location.
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Check for discarded wings—they’re often left behind near light sources or window frames.
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Call STL Pest Control—we’ll inspect your home thoroughly and recommend a plan that fits your situation.
Q: Does This Mean I Already Have Termites?
Possibly. If the swarm happened inside your home, that’s a strong sign the colony is already there. If it was outside, you’re at risk—but may have caught it early. Either way, a professional inspection is the smartest next step.
St. Louis Swarm Seasons: When to Stay Alert
Different termite species swarm at different times, but in our region:
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Subterranean termites (most common in STL): Spring to early summer, often after rain.
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Drywood and Formosan termites are less common here but may swarm in late summer or warm evenings.
Smart Ways to Protect Your Home from Termites
Here’s how we help homeowners build a defense line against termites:
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Install termite bait stations around your home to intercept colonies
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Treat wood structures with non-invasive solutions
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Reduce moisture around your foundation and inside crawlspaces
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Seal gaps and cracks where termites may enter
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Schedule yearly inspections to catch early activity
Don’t Let a Swarm Turn Into a Nightmare
A termite swarm may look like a harmless cloud of bugs—but it could mean thousands of dollars in hidden damage. At STL Pest Control, we’ve helped St. Louis families protect their homes since 1989. We know what local termites are up to—and how to stop them.
Call us today to schedule a professional inspection and stay one step ahead of termite trouble.
Need a second opinion or a fast quote? Reach out today—we’re happy to help.
📞 (314) 833-6222
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