Flying Termites

In Hawaii, the typical structural termites found in and around homes are either the West Indian Drywood termite or the Formosan Ground termite. Both the Ground and Drywood termites grow wings and "fly" during parts of the year. This swarming behavior is normal and does not necessarily mean that your house is termite infested.

Swarming typically occurs on warm, still evenings. Ground termites in Hawaii will normally swarm shortly after sunset (7:30 to 8:00 PM) during the months of May and June. The typical Drywood termites, which inhabit homes in Hawaii, swarm during the months of June and July, between the hours of 8:00 – 10:00 PM.

These flying termites are attracted to light then fall to the ground, drop their wings, then attempt to pair off with a mate in search of an appropriate breeding habitat in which to form a new colony. Very few of these swarmers actually go on to form new colonies.

A swarm of drywood termites will normally number under a hundred, while that of the ground termites might number well into the thousands. With the abundance of ground termite swarmers it is not unusual that a handful of these insects will find their way into your home from a neighboring swarm. Termites are very poor fliers and are at the mercy of even a light breeze. Even though the house may seem well sealed and no lights are on, it is possible that dozens of these ground termites may aimlessly find their way into your house.

The presence of a handful of termites in your house is not necessarily cause for alarm, and does not necessarily mean your home is infested.