Spotting a cloud of winged insects near a window or light fixture is one of the most common ways Anaheim homeowners find out they have termites. Anaheim’s warm, mostly dry weather means termites can stay active much of the year, and certain weather conditions set off their swarms. Here’s what triggers termite swarms in Anaheim, how to tell which type of termite you’re dealing with and what to do if you see swarmers in your home.
How Weather Triggers Termite Swarms in Anaheim
A swarm is a termite colony sending out winged reproductives (swarmers) to mate and start new colonies. Colonies wait for the right weather to do it, and Anaheim has two main termite types that swarm under different conditions.
Warm, Sunny Days: Drywood Termites
Western drywood termites live inside the wood they eat, including framing, eaves, attic beams and furniture, and don’t need contact with soil. They typically swarm on warm, sunny days in late summer and fall. Anaheim often stays warm well into the fall, so drywood swarms can show up from about August through November.
The First Fall Rain: Subterranean Termites
Western subterranean termites nest in the soil and travel into structures through mud tubes. They often swarm on a sunny day after the first fall rain of the season, and spring swarms are also common. If you notice winged insects in your garage or near your foundation a day or two after a rainstorm, subterranean termites are a likely cause.
Moisture Around Your Home
Dry weather doesn’t mean your home is dry. Leaky pipes, dripping hose bibs, sprinklers that hit the walls of your home and wood that touches soil all create the moisture subterranean termites look for. These conditions attract termites year-round, regardless of the forecast.
Why Anaheim Homes Can See Termites Year-Round
Cold winters slow termite activity in many parts of the country, but Anaheim’s mild winters rarely do. Colonies keep feeding inside walls and wood even when you don’t see swarmers. Many Anaheim neighborhoods were built in the 1950s and 1960s. Older wood framing, raised foundations and decades of small repairs can give termites more places to get in and hide.
Drywood vs. Subterranean Termites: Signs To Look For
Drywood termites
- Small, hard pellets that look like sand or coarse pepper, often in piles under wood
- Tiny “kickout” holes in wood surfaces where pellets are pushed out
- Discarded wings on windowsills
- Blistered or bubbling paint on wood trim
Subterranean termites
- Pencil-width mud tubes running up foundation walls, piers or plumbing
- Discarded wings near doors, windows or the garage
- Wood that sounds hollow or is damaged along the grain
- Damage near areas that stay damp
For a deeper look at how termite species and swarm seasons vary across the state, see our California Termite Report.
Saw Swarmers? What To Do Next
- Don’t just spray and move on. Killing the swarmers you can see doesn’t affect the colony inside your walls or under your home.
- Save a sample. Collect a few swarmers or wings in a sealed bag or a piece of tape so a technician can identify them. Termites have straight, beaded antennae, a thick waist and two pairs of wings that are equal in length. Flying ants have elbowed antennae, a pinched waist and front wings that are longer than the back wings.
- Note where they came from. Write down the room, window or wall and the time of day. This helps pinpoint the colony.
- Check nearby areas. Look for pellets, kickout holes or mud tubes near where the swarmers appeared.
- Schedule an inspection. A swarm inside your home is a strong sign of an active infestation. The sooner it’s inspected, the less damage it can do. Learn more about preventing termite infestations before they start.
How Professionals Treat Termites in Anaheim
The right treatment depends on the type of termite and how far the infestation has spread, which is why every plan starts with an inspection. Widespread drywood infestations may need whole-structure treatment, while smaller, accessible areas can often be treated locally. Subterranean termites are usually treated at the soil level around the structure or with baiting systems. A licensed technician can identify the species, map the activity and recommend the option that fits your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is termite swarm season in Anaheim?
Drywood termites typically swarm on warm, sunny days in late summer and fall. Subterranean termites often swarm after the first fall rain, and again in spring.
Are termite swarmers dangerous?
Swarmers don’t bite, sting or damage wood themselves. They’re a warning sign that a mature colony is nearby, and that colony can cause serious damage.
Do termites go away in winter in Anaheim?
No. Anaheim’s mild winters allow colonies to keep feeding inside wood and walls all year, even when you don’t see swarmers.
Get Termite Control in Anaheim From Dewey Pest and Termite Control
Dewey Pest and Termite Control has protected California homes and businesses since 1929. Our Anaheim team offers free termite inspections, identifies the species and builds a treatment plan to stop the damage. Schedule termite control in Anaheim or call 714-978-4305 today.