Subterranean Termite Alate

Nests are typically found underground or in moist wooden structures. Alates (swarmers) emerge from these nests to fly and start new colonies.

Cellulose-based materials, primarily wood, paper, and plant debris, which they digest with the help of symbiotic protozoa in their gut.

Alates are the reproductive members of the colony. They swarm in large numbers during the spring or after rain to mate and establish new colonies. Once they land, they shed their wings.

High risk of structural damage to homes and buildings as they consume wood. In the ecosystem, they are beneficial as they decompose dead wood and return nutrients to the soil.