Flying termites, also known as alates, swarmers, or winged termites — are one of the most common reasons Sydney homeowners panic.
The good news? Seeing flying termites does NOT mean your home is being attacked.
But it is a reminder that your termite protection and annual inspections should stay up to date.

Here’s what’s actually happening, why you’re seeing them, and what you should and shouldn’t do next.

What Are Flying Termites?

Flying termites (swarmers) are reproductive termites whose sole purpose is to leave the colony, fly into the air, mate, and start new colonies. They typically appear when:

• Weather becomes warm and humid
• Rainfall follows a period of heat
• Seasons shift from late spring into summer

During the rest of the year, termites stay hidden — feeding silently through timber and expanding their colony. By the time you ever notice swarmers, termites may have already been active nearby for months, even if not inside your home.

Swarmers are attracted to light, which is why homeowners often find them around:

• Light fittings
• Windows
• Porch lights
• TV screens
• Bathroom exhaust fans

In areas like The Hills District, where bushland and termite mounds are abundant, it’s perfectly normal to see large termite swarms on warm, humid evenings.
Drive up Windsor Road towards Rouse Hill and you’ll spot dozens of termite mounds in the median strip alone, imagine what’s hidden deeper in the bush.

What To Do If You See Flying Termites

First: Don’t panic.
Your home is not being eaten in real time.

Flying termites do not bite, sting, or cause structural damage. They cannot chew timber.
They’re simply looking for light and moisture so they can mate and — hopefully — form a new colony.

Here’s what to do next:

1. Stay Up to Date With Termite Inspections

If you haven’t had a termite inspection in the last 12 months, now is the ideal time to book one.
Annual inspections are required under Australian Standards.

2. Pay Attention to the Weather

Warm, humid nights followed by rain = ideal swarming conditions.
Seeing swarmers during this time is extremely common.

3. Check the Insects Carefully

Flying ants and flying termites look similar, but there are key differences:

• Termites have straight antennae, ants have bent antennae
• Termites have equal-sized wings, ants have two large + two small wings
• Termites have a thick, straight body, ants have a thin ‘pinched’ waist

This helps confirm what you’re seeing.

What Not to Do

Some reactions only make things worse later. Avoid these:

Don’t spray them

Kills a few swarmers, doesn’t touch the colony, and may interfere with professional treatment.

Don’t seal their exit hole

This forces termites to dig new pathways — often causing more structural damage.

Don’t break mud trails

Technicians need intact tubes to assess termite activity and determine the treatment pathway.

Is My Home at Risk?

Flying termites don’t automatically mean your home is infested, but they’re a good reminder to stay proactive. An annual termite inspection by a professional is your best safeguard, catching any potential issues before they become costly. Prevention may seem like an upfront investment, but the cost of extensive termite treatment and repairs can be far higher.

How Can I Protect My Home?

Making sure you are doing your annual termite inspections is the only true starting point, and taking the advise of your technician for future preventions such as:

• Refilling your reticulation system in a timely manner
• If you have a baiting system ensuring you are booking in your technician for regular monitoring
• If you have no termite barrier, it maybe time to invest in one.

When Should I Start Treatment?

There’s no wrong time to start preventative measures, but don’t wait until you see swarmers to take action.
By the time flying termites appear, there may already be damage. Begin preventative steps now to protect your property, year-round.

At So Pest Off, we’re here to help you make informed, proactive choices about termite protection, without the scare tactics.
Contact us for reliable inspections and effective, honest solutions.

Flying Termite FAQs

Are flying termites dangerous?

No. Flying termites do not bite, sting, or damage timber. They are simply reproductive termites looking to mate.

Does seeing flying termites mean I have termites in my house?

Not always. Swarmers often blow in from nearby bushland or neighbouring properties. It is, however, a reminder to book your annual inspection.

What time of year do flying termites appear in Sydney?

Usually late spring through summer, especially after a hot day followed by afternoon or evening rain.

What attracts flying termites to my home?

Light sources. They are highly attracted to indoor lights, porch lights, lamps, and even TV screens.

Should I spray flying termites if I see them?

No. Spraying kills a few swarmers but does nothing to the colony. It can also interfere with professional treatment later.

How long do termite swarms last?

Usually 20–40 minutes. Swarmers lose their wings quickly and die soon after if they cannot establish a colony.

Can flying termites get inside my walls?

Only if there is an active termite colony or structural entry point. Swarmers do not chew their way in.

What should I do after I see flying termites?

Book or update your annual termite inspection, assess your barrier or reticulation system, and follow advice from a licensed technician.