Termite Season: What Homeowners Should Know
October 17, 2026
Termites cause damage quietly. Most homeowners only find out they have them when they see swarmers in spring or notice wood that sounds hollow. Spring is the season to pay attention.
Termite swarms in spring
On warm days after rain, mature colonies send out winged termites to start new colonies. These swarmers gather near windows, doors and lights, and they drop their wings soon after landing. A swarm indoors, or small piles of shed wings on windowsills, usually means a colony is in the house or very close to it.
Swarmers are often confused with flying ants. Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings of the same length. Ants have bent antennae, a narrow waist and front wings longer than the back ones.
Mud tubes and other signs
Subterranean termites, the most common type in the United States, build mud tubes about the width of a pencil to travel between the soil and the wood they feed on. Check the foundation, the crawl space, basement walls and any spot where wood touches the ground.
Other signs include wood that sounds hollow when tapped, blistered or bubbling paint, doors and windows that suddenly stick, and small holes in drywall.
Seeing swarmers or mud tubes? Call (888) 274-3020
Why an inspection matters
Termites feed from the inside out, so damage can build up for years before it shows. A termite inspection checks the foundation, crawl space, attic and wood close to the ground for tubes, damage and the moisture problems that attract termites. It is also worth asking about before buying a home. Many homeowners schedule one every year, especially where termites are common.
If you find swarmers indoors
Try not to spray them. Spraying the swarmers you see does not touch the colony feeding in the wood or the soil. Instead, collect a few in a sealed bag or take a clear photo so they can be identified, note where you found them, and sweep up the wings. A swarm usually lasts a short time, but the colony that sent it stays active.
Simple steps around the house
Keep firewood, mulch and wood debris away from the foundation. Fix leaks and drainage problems, and make sure gutters carry water away from the house. These steps do not replace treatment, but they make the home less inviting to termites.
Talk to a local exterminator: (888) 274-3020