Eastern Subterranean Termite (Alate/Swarmer)

Subterranean nests in soil, but reproductive swarmers are found in homes, wooden structures, and dark, moist environments during dispersal.

Cellulose material primarily from wood, paper, and cotton; they rely on protozoa in their gut to digest lignin and cellulose.

They exhibit a social structure with kings, queens, workers, and soldiers. Swarmers (alates) emerge in large groups, usually in spring, to mate and start new colonies before shedding their wings.

High risk of structural damage to homes and wood buildings. Ecologically, they are beneficial decomposers that break down dead wood in forests, returning nutrients to the soil.