Eastern Subterranean Termite (Swarmer/Alate)
Scientific Name: Reticulitermes flavipes
Order & Family: Order: Blattodea; Family: Rhinotermitidae
Size: 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) including wings; bodies are about 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.
Natural Habitat
Found in soil or near moisture sources; colonies are typically underground but swarmers appear near windows or light sources indoors during spring.
Diet & Feeding
Cellulose from wood, paper, and plant products; they use internal protozoa to digest it.
Behavior Patterns
Emerge in large numbers (swarms) to mate and establish new colonies after rain; they quickly shed their wings after landing.
Risks & Benefits
Poses significant risk to wooden structures and property; provides ecological benefits by decomposing dead wood and aerating soil in natural environments.
Identified on: 5/18/2026