Termite Flights: What They Mean & Why You Should Pay Attention

Understanding Termite “Swarmers” and When to Act

Every year—often after rain and warm, humid weather—homeowners across Queensland notice clouds of small, winged insects suddenly appearing around lights, windows, and outdoor areas. These are termite alates, commonly known as swarmers, and their arrival is one of the most important warning signs of a nearby termite colony.

At CB Pest Control, we see a big increase in termite activity during these periods, and understanding what termite flights mean can help protect your home before serious damage occurs.

Why Do Termites Take Flight?

Termite flights are part of the termite lifecycle. When a colony becomes large enough and conditions are perfect—warm, still, humid air—the colony produces alates: reproductive termites with wings.

They take flight to:

• Start new colonies
  
  

• Expand the territory of an existing colony
  
  

• Reproduce and establish new nests in suitable timber or soil environments
  
  

A termite flight means one thing:
There is an established colony nearby.

What Does It Mean for Your Home?

Seeing flying termites around your property is not something to ignore. Swarmers do not cause damage themselves, but they indicate:

• A large, mature colony exists close to your home
  
  

• Your property may already be within the foraging range
  
  

• There may be hidden activity in walls, gardens, timber structures, or soil
  
  

• Your chemical treated zone or barriers may need checking
  
  

• Your home may have no active termite protection in place
  
  

Even if you don’t see termites entering your home, the colony responsible for the flight is already active somewhere—and may be looking for new food sources.

Should You Be Concerned?

Yes—termite alates are one of the strongest signs of a local infestation.

Be especially concerned if:

• You see wings piled near windows or skirting boards
  
  

• Alates are emerging inside your home
  
  

• You notice mud leads, soft timber, or hollow sounds
  
  

• You haven’t had an inspection in over 12 months
  
  

• Your home does not have a current chemical treated zone or baiting system
  
  

Even if the flight occurred outside, the colony could be only metres away.

What To Do If You See Termite Flights

If you notice swarmers, don’t spray them with insecticides—it doesn’t fix the underlying colony and can scatter or hide the problem.

Instead:

1. Take photos if you can
   
   

2. Collect a sample if they’re accessible
   
   

3. Do not disturb timber or damage any mud leads
   
   

4. Call CB Pest Control for a termite inspection
   
   

We can identify the species, track the source, and advise on whether a chemical treated zone or termite baiting system is the best protection for your home.

We’re Only a Phone Call Away

Termite flights are a clear warning sign—one you should never ignore.
If you’ve seen flying termites or even suspect termite activity, we’re here to help.

📞 0435 017 446
✉️ cbpestservices@gmail.com
🌐 www.cbpest.com.au

At CB Pest Control, we use premium products, FLIR thermal imaging, and industry-leading techniques to detect and eliminate termites quickly and effectively.
Your home is one of your biggest investments—let us help you protect it.