Subterranean Termites in Spring: Signs, Swarms & What Homeowners Need to Know

Mud tube

Subterranean Termites: What You Need to Know This Season

As temperatures rise, so does termite activity. Spring and early summer mark swarmer season, which is one of the most important warning signs homeowners should never ignore.

If you’ve recently seen flying ants or what look like “flying termites” inside or around your home, it’s time to pay attention.

What Are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites are the most destructive wood-destroying insects in our area. They live underground in large colonies and build mud tubes to travel back and forth between the soil and your home—keeping themselves protected from air and light.

They feed on cellulose, which means anything made of wood is a potential food source:

  • Structural framing
  • Floor joists
  • Subfloors
  • Trim and drywall paper

Swarmer Season = A Mature Colony

During warmer months, termite colonies release swarmers (reproductives) to start new colonies.

Here’s the key point most homeowners don’t realize:

If you are seeing a swarm, that colony is already mature—typically 3 to 5 years old.

That means termites have likely been active behind the scenes for years before becoming visible.

Signs to Watch For

Knowing what to look for can save you thousands in damage:

  • Swarmers or discarded wings near windows, doors, or light sources
  • Mud tubes along foundation walls, crawl spaces, or basement walls (see attached photo for an example)
  • Soft or hollow-sounding wood
  • Blistering or bubbling paint (often mistaken for water damage)
  • Frass or dirt-like material near baseboards or cracks

What Attracts Termites?

Termites are drawn to conditions that provide moisture and easy access to wood:

  • Wood-to-soil contact (deck posts, siding touching soil)
  • Excess moisture around the foundation
  • Poor drainage or clogged gutters
  • Firewood stacked against the home
  • Untreated wood structures

Reducing these conditions can significantly lower your risk—but it won’t eliminate it entirely.

Why Professional Treatment Matters

Termites are a stealth pest. By the time you see them, the damage is often already underway.

At Budget Exterminating Inc., we use proven, professional-grade solutions:

  • Trelona ATBS (Advance Termite Baiting System)
    A strategic baiting system that targets and eliminates the entire colony over time.
  • Termidor HE Liquid Treatments
    A non-repellent treatment applied around the structure that termites transfer throughout the colony, leading to complete control.

Final Takeaway

If you’re seeing termite swarmers, it’s not a new problem—it’s an established one.

Early detection and proper treatment are critical to protecting your home.

If you have concerns or want an inspection, reach out to Budget Exterminating Inc. today. Catching termites early makes all the difference.