Eastern Subterranean Termite (Alate/Swarmer)

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

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.

Risks & Benefits

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.

Identified on: 4/14/2026