What Swarming Termites Mean and What to Do About Them

May 6, 2026

If you’ve recently noticed a bunch of tiny winged bugs flying around your home or suddenly found discarded wings near windows or doors, you might be dealing with swarming termites. These little insects can cause big problems if left unchecked, so it’s important to understand what they are, how to spot them, and what action to take.

What Are Swarming Termites?

Swarming termites, known as alates, are the “teenagers” of the termite world—they’re the winged reproductive termites that leave their colony to start new ones. You typically see these swarms during the warmer months, especially after a good rain or on humid days. When you see swarmers inside or near your home, it usually means there’s a hidden, well-established termite colony nearby.

How Can You Tell Termites Apart from Flying Ants?

It’s easy to confuse swarming termites with flying ants because they both have wings and appear around the same time. But there are some simple clues to tell them apart:


  • Wings: Termites have two pairs of wings that are all the same size, while flying ants have front wings that are bigger than the back ones.
  • Body Shape: Termites have straight, even-sized bodies, while ants have a narrow, pinched “waist” between their thorax and abdomen.
  • Antennae: Termite antennae are straight or slightly curved, but ants have bent or “elbowed” antennae.



Knowing these differences helps you figure out what you’re dealing with and how serious it might be..

Why Do Termite Swarmers Usually Die Quickly?

Once termite swarmers have left their colony and mated, they look for a safe spot to start a new colony. If they can’t find the right place, or if they’re stuck inside your house away from wood and soil, they usually don’t live very long. So, if you spot swarmers inside, it’s not specifically them that you’re worried about; it’s often a sign that the main established colony is nearby and potentially causing damage to your home.

What Should You Do If You Find Swarmers?

Finding swarmers in your home can be alarming, but there’s no need to panic. Here’s what to do:



  1. Take a close look. If you can safely do so, snap some photos or collect a few wings to help with identification.
  2. Call a local pest control company. Termite problems need professional attention. Local experts know the best ways to inspect, identify, and treat termites effectively.

Why Choose a Local Pest Control Company?

Choosing a local pest control company based right here in Mississippi, means you’re getting help from people who understand the local termites and climate. This means treatments will be more effective, quicker, and better suited for your home.

Person in protective suit holding a pesticide sprayer outdoors near a parked vehicle.

Bottom Line: Finding Swarming Termites Mean It’s Time to Act

Swarming termites are nature’s way of spreading new colonies, but when they show up around your house, it’s a red flag that termites could be quietly causing damage. Knowing how to spot them—and how to tell them apart from flying ants—can save you a lot of trouble. If you find swarmers, reaching out to a trusted local pest control company right away is the best way to protect your home.

If you’ve seen termite swarmers or want to learn more about keeping your home termite-free, feel free to contact us for a free, no-obligation inspection.

Why You’re Seeing More Ants in Your North Mississippi Home This Time of Year—and What You Can Do About It

June 22, 2026
If you’ve noticed more ants in your kitchen, bathroom, or around windows lately, you’re not alone. In North Mississippi—especially around Starkville, Columbus, and nearby communities—it’s common to see a sharp increase in ant activity as the temperatures rise and rainfall becomes more frequent. Ants may seem like a small nuisance, but once they establish a trail into your home, they can become a persistent problem. Understanding why ants become more active during this time and how to prevent them can help you protect your home effectively. Why Are Ants More Active in Warm Weather? Ants are cold-blooded insects whose activity increases as temperatures warm. In summer, several factors combine to make ants highly active: Food availability increases. With warmer weather, people cook and gather more often, which means more crumbs and food residues both indoors and outdoors. Moisture drives movement. Rainfall and humidity encourage ants to relocate or expand their colonies, especially if water sources become scarce elsewhere. Colony growth accelerates. Queens lay more eggs in warm months, producing many more workers that forage further and more aggressively for food and water. Even small openings—like cracks in your foundation, gaps around windows, or utility penetrations—can become entry points for ants looking to get inside. Common Ant Species in North Mississippi Homes The ants most commonly seen around North Mississippi homes include: Little Black Ants: Small, dark ants often found in kitchens, patios, and outdoor eating areas. Argentine Ants: Small, light to dark brown ants known for forming large, aggressive colonies that invade homes in search of food and water. Odorous House Ants: Frequent kitchen and bathroom visitors, named for the noticeable smell they release when crushed. Pavement Ants: Common near driveways and foundations, building nests in soil or cracks. Why DIY Ant Control Often Fails Many homeowners try sprays or store-bought baits, but these usually only kill the ants you see and don’t solve the root problem. This happens for several reasons: Colonies typically nest outdoors or inside hidden wall voids, far from visible trails. Killing visible ants can cause colonies to split or relocate—sometimes spreading infestations. Improper use of baits can actually increase ant activity by disturbing colony behavior. Without addressing the source colony, ants often return within days or weeks. How Professional Pest Control Makes a Difference At NorthEast Exterminating, our approach goes beyond simply treating where ants appear. We focus on stopping ants at their source by: Conducting thorough interior and exterior inspections Identifying ant species and nesting habits Applying targeted treatments at entry points and colony sites Using preventative perimeter treatments to reduce re-infestation risk Advising on moisture control and structural repairs to remove attractants This integrated pest management strategy offers lasting relief by tackling the problem comprehensively. Prevention Tips for Homeowners While professional treatment offers the best long-term control, you can reduce ants’ chances of entering your home by: Keeping kitchen surfaces clean and storing food in airtight containers Wiping up spills quickly, especially sugary drinks or food Sealing cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and foundations Trimming plants and vegetation away from the home’s exterior Repairing leaky pipes and eliminating excess moisture Simple daily habits, combined with home maintenance, can make a big difference. When to Call for Professional Help If you notice consistent ant trails, frequent infestations, or ants appearing in multiple areas of your home, it usually means a nearby colony is active and thriving. Early intervention is crucial—especially in Mississippi’s warm and humid climate where colonies quickly expand.  NorthEast Exterminating is proud to serve homeowners in Starkville, Columbus, and surrounding North Mississippi communities. Our family-owned company is dedicated to keeping your home ant-free all year long with expert, friendly service you can trust.

Protecting Your Family and Pets from Mosquitoes in Columbus, MS

June 5, 2026
As a locally owned and operated company right here in North Mississippi, NorthEast Exterminating is deeply committed to protecting our community from these bothersome and dangerous pests.
Pest control technician holding sprayer beside a service van outdoors.

Signs You Need Pest Control Services in Columbus, MS

April 29, 2026
Pest control services by Northeast Exterminating in Columbus, MS. Call 662-329-9992 today for fast inspections and reliable pest protection.
A cluster of winged and wingless dark ants crawling over a piece of decaying wood.

Termite Season is Here

March 25, 2026
Termite season is here in Columbus MS. Learn the warning signs of termites and how professional pest control inspections can protect your home from costly damage

How to Choose a Pest Service

March 6, 2026
An invasion of ants, spiders, roaches, rodents and termites can become unmanageable, perhaps even threatening the structure of your home. This is when professionals can step in to help protect your home. Pest control is NOT a DIY trend. A deep understanding of pest behavior, proper product selection, and correct application methods separates true professionals from amateurs. The right professional pest control company can provide safe, effective, trustworthy and reliable service. Here are some tips to help you choose the right pest control company. Knowledge is Key. Effective pest control starts with expertise. Professional pest control companies use integrated pest management strategies to create effective and targeted plans customers. In the war on pests, knowledge is the most effective weapon. Pest identification, a deep understanding of available products and experience in various application methods are just a few items that separate the amateurs from the professionals. Local Matters, A Lot. It is important to select a company that is committed to the community they serve. “Big Box” pest control companies often have a one size fits all approach, whereas local companies have a better understanding of the people and pests specific to an area or region. This understanding allows local companies to tailor a more individualized experience, ultimately better serving you, the customer. Big Box companies have annual spring campaigns to sell, sell, sell and then leave. Local companies often have a greater long-term commitment to the communities which they service, some having served their communities for multiple generations. Price Doesn’t Always Equal Value. People often say “you get what you pay for”, but that is not always the case. Price shopping for the lowest rates can leave a customer with a less knowledgeable operator, or a company that does not use the best products available. Whereas companies with the highest price at times may be overcharging for their services or using fear tactics to sell unneeded services because they are more profitable. Choose a competitively priced pest control company dedicated to long term superior service. Customer Service. When choosing any service provider, customer service should be a top consideration. Some companies want you to conform to their programing. Great customer service allows the customer to choose services and times that best fit their lifestyle and schedule. Pest control service is not a one size fits all; it should be tailored to each customer and situation! NorthEast Exterminating is a fourth generation locally owned and operated pest and termite control company serving the Golden Triangle and Beyond. Since 1951, NorthEast Exterminating has combined the latest innovations in pest control technology with good old-fashioned customer service. Their team understands that effective pest control is about more than bugs—it’s all about people. For homeowners seeking trusted, local expertise and personalized service, NorthEast Exterminating offers free quotes and a long-standing family tradition of customer care. As they’ve said for generations: “If it Crawls… Call NorthEast Exterminating”.