Subterranean Termite (Alate/Swarmer)

Scientific Name: Reticulitermes flavipes

Order & Family: Order: Blattodea; Family: Rhinotermitidae

Size: Approximately 6 to 10 mm (1/4 to 3/8 inch), including wings.

Commonly found in moist soil and decaying wood; swarmers emerge indoors during spring through cracks or vents.

Cellulose-based materials including wood, paper, cardboard, and cotton.

Swarmers are reproductive members of the colony that emerge in large numbers to mate and start new colonies, typically following rain in the spring.

Significant risk to wooden structures and property value; within the ecosystem, they are beneficial as primary decomposers of fallen timber.

Identified on: 2/28/2026