Termite Swarmers in Wichita: What Those Flying Bugs in Your Yard Really Mean

Matthew Johnston
11 hours ago
2 min read

May is prime time for termite swarmers Wichita homeowners often spot this time of year. If you are seeing clouds of small dark winged insects near your foundation, your trees, or even inside near a window, this blog is for you.

A large cluster of winged termite swarmers gathered on the ground near a concrete home foundation in Wichita.

What is a termite swarm?

A subterranean termite mud tube running vertically up a concrete home foundation wall in Wichita.

When a termite colony matures, it sends out winged reproductive termites called swarmers. Their job is simple. Fly out, pair up, find a new spot to start a colony, and shed their wings.

A pile of shed termite swarmer wings on a surface, a classic sign of a termite infestation in Wichita.

Swarms usually happen on warm days after a rain, often midday. They can last just a few minutes or up to an hour.

Termite Swarmers Wichita Guide: Termite vs. Flying Ant

This is the most common mix-up we see. Here is how to tell them apart.

Side-by-side comparison infographic of a black carpenter ant and a tan termite swarmer, highlighting anatomical differences like wing lengths, waist thickness, and antenna shapes.

Termite swarmers:

Straight antennae
Two pairs of equal-sized wings
Thick waist (no pinch)
Wings often shed in piles

Flying ants:

Bent or elbowed antennae
Front wings larger than back wings
Pinched waist
Wings stay attached longer

If you find piles of small wings on a window sill or near a sliding door, that is a strong sign of termite activity.

Why Termite Swarmers in Wichita Matter

Eastern subterranean termites are the main termite found in Kansas. They live underground and travel up through mud tubes to feed on wood. They do not stop because winter is over. They have been working all spring.

By the time you see swarmers, the colony has likely been there a while. The damage they cause is slow but real. Termites cost homeowners across the country billions of dollars each year.

What you should do

If you see swarmers outside, mark the spot. Look for mud tubes on the foundation or piers under your home.

If you see swarmers inside, give us a call. Do not spray them with household bug spray and walk away. We will come take a look and let you know what we find.

A wood-destroying insect inspection is also smart if you are buying or selling a home.