Flying Termites in Burbank: How to Identify Swarmers and Protect Your Home
- SEO Next Mile
- Nov 6
- 5 min read

Warm evenings… then suddenly dozens of winged bugs at your window or by a lamp. If that’s happening, you’re likely seeing termite swarmers—and it’s time for fast action.
This guide explains how to tell swarmers from flying ants, when Burbank’s swarms peak, what to do in the first 24 hours, and how flying termite control Burbank services stop a small event from turning into structural damage.
Quick-Answer
Are those termites or ants?
Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist, and two equal-length wings. Flying ants show elbowed antennae, a pinched waist, and unequal wings (front pair longer). (Source: UC IPM – Termites)
When is Burbank swarming season?
Drywood swarms: usually July–October on hot, sunny days. Subterranean swarms: typically late winter–spring after rain and warming. (Source: UC IPM – Termites)
What do I do tonight?
Collect a few insects for ID, vacuum the rest, don’t spray randomly, and book a free inspection for confirmation.
Is treatment safe?
Licensed pros follow California DPR rules for product selection and application with IPM first. (Source: CA DPR)
Who should I call now?
Termike Pest Control at (888) 683-3592 for rapid flying termite control Burbank scheduling.
What “Flying Termites” Really Are (And Why They Appear Indoors)
“Flying termites” are alates—reproductive adults leaving a mature colony to start new ones. A brief indoor swarm often means there’s active termite activity in or very near your structure.
Swarmers shed their wings quickly; piles of delicate, equal-sized wings on sills or countertops are a top clue.
Correct ID is essential because flying termite control Burbank strategies depend on species (drywood vs. subterranean).
Learn the basics of termite biology and damage risks here: about termites.
For species-specific pages: drywood termites and subterranean termites.
Flying Termites vs. Flying Ants (Spot-the-Difference Checklist)
Antennae
Termite: straight
Ant: elbowed
Waist
Termite: thick, uniform
Ant: narrow, pinched (“hourglass”)
Wings
Termite: two pairs, equal length
Ant: front wings longer than hind
Behavior
Termite swarmers: drop wings quickly and gravitate to light
Ants: often seen foraging with workers before and after flights
For a deeper visual ID, UC’s extension has clear photos and diagrams: UC IPM Termites. Accurate ID ensures we choose the flying termite control Burbank plan that actually fixes the root cause, not just the symptom.
Burbank Swarming Season: Timing & Triggers
Drywood termites: Swarm late summer through early fall (July–October), especially on hot, sunny afternoons with low wind.
Subterranean termites: Often swarm late winter to spring after rainfall followed by warm, humid conditions.
What flips the switch? Temperature spikes, humidity, barometric shifts, and age of the colony. These cues are covered in state guidance for responsible, IPM-first management (see CA DPR and UC IPM). Understanding the timing helps homeowners book flying termite control Burbank inspections before peak activity.
Immediate Action Steps (First 24 Hours)
Collect Specimens & WingsUse clear tape or a small jar. This speeds species ID and the right plan.
Vacuum, Don’t BombVacuum up swarmers and dispose of the bag outdoors. Avoid random aerosol “foggers”—they don’t reach hidden galleries and can complicate professional treatments (UC IPM).
Turn Off Outdoor Lights You Don’t NeedLight attracts swarmers. Reduce attraction while you wait for a pro.
Photograph EvidenceWindow sills, shed wings, “pellet” droppings (drywood), or mud tubes (subterranean). Photos + samples = faster solutions.
Book Same-Week ConfirmationIt pays to confirm quickly. Start here: book a free inspection or call (888) 683-3592 for the fastest flying termite control Burbank response.
How Swarmers Connect to Hidden Colonies
A swarm in your kitchen or near a slider is the tip of the iceberg—that brief event comes from a mature colony in wood (drywood) or underground (subterranean).
Drywood: Colonize sound wood above ground—rafters, window frames, furniture. Signs: hard, sand-like pellets (frass) and tiny “kick-out” holes.
Subterranean: Nest in soil; access wood through mud tubes along foundations, piers, or inside walls. Signs: earthy tubes and damaged subfloor/joists.
We map these pathways during inspection and tailor flying termite control Burbank to the species and the way it’s entering your structure.
Termike’s Proven Swarm-Response Method (What We Actually Do)
Step 1: Licensed Inspection & IDA Branch-licensed pro documents frass, wings, galleries, and moisture + ingress points. We also review past activity. See our termite treatment options.
Step 2: Tools & DiagnosticsWe combine FLIR thermal scans (hot/cold anomalies), UV tracking dust for pathways, moisture mapping, and a sealed entry-point audit to find and prioritize fixes.
Step 3: Species-Specific Treatment
Drywood galleries: Localized injection foams/dusts or full-structure options (including fumigation when warranted).
Step 4: Eco-First OptionsAsk about reduced-risk or thermal/localized approaches when appropriate. Explore our eco-friendly program for greener flying termite control Burbank solutions.
Step 5: Repairs & PreventionIf wood members are compromised, we coordinate damaged-wood repair. We’ll also recommend sealing, screens, and maintenance scheduling via our services.
Treatment Options at a Glance (With Pros & Cons)
Local (spot) treatments
Best for: Confirmed, accessible drywood pockets.
Pros: Targeted; minimal disruption.
Cons: Misses hidden, satellite galleries if not thoroughly inspected.
Whole-structure fumigation
Best for: Widespread drywood infestations.
Pros: Comprehensive reach in wood members.
Cons: Requires vacating; no prevention of future re-infestation.
Soil treatments & baiting (subterranean)
Best for: Ground-nesting species entering at slabs, foundations.
Pros: Long-term colony suppression; structural barrier potential.
Cons: Requires monitoring and correct placement.
IPM + Exclusion
Best for: Ongoing prevention.
Pros: Non-chemical or reduced-chemical; focuses on moisture control, sealing, and early detection.
Cons: Requires homeowner upkeep and periodic pro checkups.
For tailored guidance, see termite treatment and related education on about termites.
Prevention That Actually Works in Burbank
Control Moisture: Fix drips, improve attic/bath ventilation, and keep soil and planter irrigation away from the foundation (UC IPM).
Seal Entry Points: Caulk gaps at windows/doors; screen attic and sub-area vents.
Keep Wood Off Soil: Maintain clearance and avoid direct wood-to-soil contact.
Schedule Annual Checks: Use our areas we serve page to confirm coverage and set recurring inspections.
Pairing these with flying termite control Burbank monitoring makes future swarms less likely to become major repairs.
Why You Can Trust Termike
Licensed & Insured Branch professionals for structural pest work.
NPMA Member and IPM-first mindset guided by UC IPM and CA DPR.
Local Expertise across LA County; see community feedback on our Yelp page.
Clear Warranties and repair options when needed—ask during your inspection.
Community & Public-Health Resources
UC IPM – Termites (ID, prevention, treatments): https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7415.html
California DPR (pesticide rules, safety, IPM): https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/
LA County Vector Control (regional pest education and reporting): https://www.glacvcd.org/
CDC – Healthy Homes (general home pest health guidance): https://www.cdc.gov/healthyhomes/
Ready for Rapid Response?
If you’re seeing flying termites in house, don’t guess—confirm fast and protect your structure.Call (888) 683-3592 or book a free inspection for proven flying termite control Burbank solutions.
Do flying termites mean I already have a colony?
Often, yes—especially for drywood species. Swarmers usually come from a mature, nearby colony in wood.
Can I just spray the swarmers and be done?
Spraying swarmers may kill what you see, but not the hidden galleries. Always follow up with a licensed inspection.
How fast can you come out?
Use book a free inspection or call (888) 683-3592—we prioritize active swarms and evening calls during peak season for flying termite control Burbank.
Is there a green option?
Yes. We offer targeted, eco-friendly programs and reduced-risk options where appropriate.




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