Subterranean Termite (Alate/Swarmer)

Found in soil and moist wood structures within the ground. Swarmers appear indoors or outdoors near light sources.

Cellulose, primarily from dead wood, leaf litter, and wooden structures in homes.

Wings are used for a brief mating flight called 'swarming.' After landing, they shed their wings, find a mate, and burrow into the ground to start a new colony.

Risks: High risk of significant structural damage to homes by hollowing out internal wood. Benefits: In nature, they are critical decomposers that turn dead wood into humus.