Why Termite Swarms Peak in Hot Weather: Burbank Science Explain

SEO Next Mile
Oct 20
4 min read

When temps jump and the sun blazes, you’ll often see winged termites (alates) pouring out of vents, baseboards, and tree stumps. That’s swarming—nature’s way of starting new colonies. In this quick, science-first guide, we break down why hot, sunny days supercharge termite flights, what that means for your home, and the smartest actions to take before and during termite swarm season Burbank.

Quick-Answer Box

When is termite swarm season Burbank?

Typically July–October, especially hot, sunny afternoons after heat spikes.

Why do heat and sun matter?

Warm air + low wind give alates ideal flight and mating conditions; sun-warmed structures also release moisture plumes termites track to entry points (see IPM guidance via UC IPM).

What should I do today?

Book a Free Inspection or call (888) 683-3592. Swarms can mean active colonies on-site.

Are eco-friendly options available?

Yes—localized heat, orange-oil protocols, and reduced-risk products following California DPR stewardship principles.

Is this urgent?

If you’re in termite swarm season Burbank, yes. Swarmers indicate mature colonies; catching them early protects equity and avoids costly repairs.

You might be wondering… “Why do termites time swarms with hot, sunny days?”

Short version: Heat and light help alates dry their wings, lift off, and find mates fast. Warm air columns rising along sun-baked walls act like “elevators,” and low wind reduces flight energy.

In Southern California’s Mediterranean climate, those conditions stack up from mid-summer into early fall, which is why termite swarm season Burbank aligns with heat waves. (See biology & timing notes in UC IPM Pest Notes: Termites; product stewardship via California DPR.)

The climate link—explained simply

Sunny, heat-loaded surfaces = lift.Eaves, stucco, and south-facing walls radiate heat, creating micro-thermals that make flight efficient.

Moisture cues attract swarmers.Day-night temperature swings push vapor through tiny gaps; alates use humidity gradients to locate cracks and attic vents.

Post-heat-spike flights are common.Warmth accelerates alate development; when barometric pressure and wind cooperate, the colony “green-lights” a synchronized release. (General climate–pest pressure context: California DPR.)

Bottom line: Hot, sunny days don’t create termites—they reveal where your home is vulnerable. That’s why planning around termite swarm season Burbank is smart risk management.

What swarmers look like (vs. ants)

Equal-length wings that extend past the abdomen (termites).

Straight antennae (termites) vs elbowed (ants).

Thick waist (termites) vs pinched waist (ants).

Still unsure? Book a free inspection and we’ll ID the specimen and the species (Drywood Termites vs Subterranean Termites).

Pre-swarm checklist (start now)

Seal & screen: Attic vents, eave gaps, and utility penetrations (entry-point audit).

Fix moisture: Gutters, downspouts, irrigation overspray, and sub-slab leaks.

Trim and clear: Vegetation touching eaves; move firewood 20+ feet away.

Paint & caulk: Sun-baked fascia and window trim crack—prime and seal.

Schedule a baseline: Get a Termite Treatment options review before termite swarm season Burbank peaks.

During swarms: 6 practical steps

Collect evidence — wings, frass (pellet-like droppings), photos of exit holes.
Close windows near the swarming zone and switch on interior lights elsewhere to lure stragglers away from cracks.
Vacuum gently (with a clean bag/canister to save specimens).
Do not spray randomly — it can scatter alates and contaminate treatment zones.
Call Termike at (888) 683-3592 or book a Free Inspection.
Document structural risks for a follow-up repair plan (see Damaged Wood Repair).

Termike’s inspection method (built for hot-weather swarms)

FLIR thermal scan to find moisture differentials behind walls and eaves.
UV tracking dust (where appropriate) to map forager pathways and pin-point galleries.
Species confirmation against UC IPM diagnostics.
Sealed entry-point audit to close gaps that heat and humidity “advertise” to alates.
Treatment plan matched to structure & species: localized injections, heat, eco-friendly options (Eco-Friendly), soil interfaces for subterraneans, or Fumigation if the infestation is widespread.
Photo-rich report + timeline for homeowners, HOAs, or escrows.

Pro tip: If you’ve battled rodents, sealing pays twice. Roof rat → attic insulation damage → damaged-wood repair. Those same gaps invite termites during termite swarm season Burbank.

Eco-friendly choices that still work

Heat treatment: Chemistry-free, great for accessible drywood galleries.

Botanical/low-impact protocols: Used strategically per California DPR stewardship.

IPM servicing: Pair structural fixes with General Pest Control for ongoing prevention.

For a deeper primer, see About Termites and our Termite Treatment overview.

Why You Can Trust Termike

California Branch-2 & Branch-3 licensed

NPMA member • 25+ years serving LA County

Full stack: inspection, targeted treatments, Fumigation (if needed), and carpenter-grade wood repair

Hundreds of happy homeowners & property managers (see Yelp reviews)

Explore Our Services • About Us • Areas We Serve • Blog

FAQs (Burbank climate edition)

Does extreme heat make termites disappear?

No. It often triggers flights. Colonies are active year-round; heat just cues synchronized swarms (see UC IPM).

Are July–October the only risky months?

They’re the peak for termite swarm season Burbank, but off-season activity and hidden galleries still happen. Preventive inspections matter.

Is orange-oil enough?

Sometimes for localized drywood galleries. Broad, hidden or multi-area infestations may require heat, comprehensive local treatments, or whole-structure fumigation—planned with California DPR best practices in mind.

Don’t wait for the next heat spike

Lock in protection before the next sunny surge. Call (888) 683-3592 or book a Free Inspection. We’re open 7 days, 8am–8pm, and ready to safeguard your home through termite swarm season Burbank.