–by Jeff Whitworth — Field Crop – Entomology
Termites have been “swarming” around the state for about the past 2 weeks. Apparently weather conditions this year have been conducive to this behavior which has caused considerable concern–especially since it has been a couple of years since we have seen, or had any reports of, this swarming activity (actually, since 2019). Termites have usually swarmed about 10 days after the 1st warm spring rains, which have generally occurred in April. But we have seen termites swarm in late February to early June, depending upon the weather. Since termite swarms are more common this year a little refresher is apparently needed to help answer some questions. Adult termites (see figs 1 & 2), the “swarmer’s”, are relatively easy to distinguish from ant “swarmer’s”. Termite adults have 4 wings of equal size–ants have hind wings smaller than their front wings; adult termites are dark brown/black with a more cigar shaped body–ant swarmer’s have a distinct “waist”; termite swarmer’s have straight antennae–ants have bent or elbowed antennae. Also, often at the site where the termite swarmer’s are issuing there may be a few white termite workers and/or soldiers (see figs 3 & 4) whereas ants do not have these white soft bodied individuals present. For more information, please see “Household Pests of Kansas: MF 3291. All pictures courtesy of David Hallauer.
Figure 1: Termite “swarmer”
Fig 2: Termite swarmer
Figure 3: Soldier termite
Figure 4: Soldier termite
Figure 4: Soldier termite