Do Termites Typically Swarm At Night?

Termites are nocturnal creatures that typically come out at night when humidity levels are high and there are lights nearby. They are attracted to light sources that give off heat in dark environments, such as flying termites, subterranean termites, dry wood termites, and winged termites. These insects are beneficial to the environment, helping to break down fallen and dead trees and shrubs, aerate soil, and provide food for predators.

Termites do not swarm at night, but they are active 24/7 and are attracted to light sources that give off heat in dark environments. Flying termites, subterranean termites, dry wood termites, and winged termites all swarm around to avoid the dark and search for food. They are not a fan of heat and their delicate bodies are not capable of surviving in the dark.

Termites primarily swarm during warm, humid weather after rainfall, and their nocturnal behavior is believed to be due to the warm temperatures and higher humidity at night. The presence of alates, which are chemical trails released during their journey, is a key indicator of a mature termite colony, as it signifies that the colony has reached reproductive maturity.

Termites prefer emerging out at night in search of food without disturbance, which is more common during the daytime. Most termites in a colony work at night, and they are most active in the spring. Invasive Formosan termites swarm at night and are generally at their peak in late spring and summer. Swarming usually happens for an hour or so each night throughout the season, with Formosan swarms occurring several evenings. Understanding these physical, behavioral, and swarming differences will help you distinguish between termites and other ants.