Termites are active year-round in warmer climates, but every species has a peak swarming season when reproductive adults leave the colony to establish new ones. Swarming is when most homeowners first discover they have a termite problem. Knowing your region's termite season helps you time inspections and catch infestations early.
Subterranean Termite Season
Subterranean termites are the most common and most destructive species in the United States. They swarm when soil temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit and after rain.
- Southeast (FL, GA, AL, MS, LA, SC): February through May. Florida and the Gulf Coast see the earliest swarms, sometimes as early as January. Jacksonville termite control companies and Savannah termite specialists recommend annual inspections in January before peak season.
- Mid-Atlantic (VA, NC, MD, DC): March through May. Peak activity occurs in April in most years.
- Northeast (NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA): April through June. Cooler soil temperatures push swarming later. New York City termite inspections should be scheduled by March.
- Midwest (OH, IL, IN, MI, MO): April through June. Heavy spring rains trigger large swarms.
- Southwest (TX, AZ, NM): March through November. Longer warm seasons mean extended swarming windows. San Antonio termite companies stay busy well into fall.
- West Coast (CA, OR, WA): Varies widely. Southern California sees swarms February through April. Northern California and the Pacific Northwest experience subterranean swarming from April through July.
Drywood Termite Season
Drywood termites swarm later than subterranean species -- typically late summer and fall. They do not need soil contact and infest dry wood in attics, furniture, and structural beams. Peak swarming occurs September through November in San Diego, Miami, and Honolulu.
Formosan Termite Season
Formosan termites -- the most aggressive species in the U.S. -- swarm from May through July in the Gulf Coast states. They are most concentrated in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and coastal Texas. A single Formosan colony can contain millions of individuals and cause severe structural damage in under two years.
When to Schedule Inspections
The best time to inspect is one to two months before your region's peak swarming season. This gives you time to treat before reproductive termites spread. If you are buying a home, a Wood Destroying Organism (WDO) inspection is mandatory in many states regardless of season.
Annual inspections are recommended for all homes in USDA Termite Infestation Probability Zones 1 and 2 (roughly the southern two-thirds of the country). Zone 3 and 4 homeowners should inspect every two to three years.
Find licensed termite inspection companies in your state through our directory. Most offer free or low-cost initial inspections.