Report Swarming (Flying or Winged) Termite
There are at least 8 species of termites in Mississippi. Reproductive, winged swarmers of these termites will emerge in large numbers to go on mating flights during specific times of the year based on species, environmental conditions, and other factors. To better understand where and when termites swarm, we need help from Mississippi residents. If you encounter live, swarming (flying or winged) termites in Mississippi, please submit an online report (see below).
Note: you will not receive a response from this submission. For information on how to submit samples for identification, please visit https://extension.msstate.edu/insects/insect-identification. There is no charge for Mississippi residents.
For more information on termites in Mississippi, please visit the Mississippi State University Extension Termites page. Also, please see “Protect Your House From Termites (P2568)” and “What Homebuilders Need to Know About Termites (P2765)”.
If you have questions, please contact Dr. Santos Portugal at sportugal@entomology.msstate.edu
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Mississippi’s native subterranean termites have started swarming, and these structure-destroying insects will continue to swarm across the state over the next few months.
John Riggins, professor of forest entomology in the Mississippi State University Department of Agricultural Science and Plant Protection, said termites swarm to produce new colonies when the weather warms up, often after a rain.
Termites exist all over Mississippi and will eventually infest and damage any structure that contains wood or other cellulose components unless you properly protect those structures.
Invasive Formosan subterranean termites were first found in the state 40 years ago, and soon, these dangerous pests will swarm and threaten unprotected structures in about one-third of Mississippi’s counties.
Santos Portugal, Mississippi State University Extension Service urban entomologist, said Formosan termites typically swarm in the millions from early May to early June. They have the ability to infest and significantly damage structures much more quickly than native subterranean termites.
