If you’re a homeowner in Arizona, you know termites are no small threat, especially drywood termites. Drywood termites don’t rely on soil or mud tubes like subterranean termites; they live and feed directly inside wood.
One of the best ways to stay ahead of an infestation is understanding the termite swarming season, when reproductive termites leave their nests in search of new colonies.
So, what time of year do drywood termites swarm in Arizona?
Let’s break it down.
Key Takeaways
- Swarming season in Arizona starts in late spring when drywood termites release swarmers looking for new colonies.
- Summer months bring peak termite activity as swarmers target wooden structures like attics and crawlspaces.
- A second wave of swarmers can appear in early fall, especially after monsoon moisture raises humidity levels.
- Year-round termite protection includes inspections, bait stations, and treatment plans from pest control companies.
Late Spring: Swarming Begins
Late spring marks the start of the swarming season of drywood termites in Arizona.
During this time, alates (also known as termite swarmers) from mature termite colonies begin to emerge. They’re looking to pair up, shed their wings, and start new colonies wherever they can find a reliable food source—usually your home’s cellulose-rich materials like beams, flooring, or even furniture.
Swarming typically begins around May, and you’ll most often spot swarmers near windowsills or outdoor lights. Since they swarm without needing soil, they can be harder to detect than subterranean termites.
Keep an eye out for discarded wings and fecal pellets, which are small and sand-like, around baseboards and wooden fixtures.
Summer Months: Peak Termite Activity
In Arizona, summer months—especially June through August—are when termite activity hits its peak. The heat speeds up the swarming cycle, and if drywood termites haven’t yet found a place to settle, they’ll be actively seeking wooden structures to burrow into. Attics, crawlspaces, eaves, and even siding are all common entry points.
Swarming termites during this period are primarily reproductive termites, whose only job is to break off from their original colony and build a new one. These new colonies start small, but without quick termite treatment, they can quietly grow and cause severe damage before you even know they’re there.
Unlike the western drywood termite, subterranean termites often build visible mud tubes on your foundation. But infestations can go unnoticed for a long time since they stay hidden inside the wood.
That’s why a termite inspection is so important, especially if you’ve seen any swarmers.
Early Fall: A Second Wave
By early fall, typically September and October, Arizona may see a second, smaller round of termite swarmers. This is especially true if the monsoon season has added extra humidity to the air.
Swarmers during this time may target wood that’s more accessible or already slightly weathered, like old siding or roof fascia.
Arizona is home to several types of termites, including subterranean and dampwood termites. While Formosan termites are known for their aggressive nature, they are extremely rare in Arizona and typically found in more humid southern states like Texas or Louisiana.
Each species behaves differently, so knowing which one you’re dealing with is key to effective pest management.
Termite Activity Outside Swarming Season
While the bulk of drywood termites swarm in late spring, summer, and early fall, you may still see signs of activity year-round.
Worker termites continue to expand and feed on wood 24/7, and if you have an existing drywood termite infestation, the colony doesn’t take the winter off. You might still hear faint noises in the walls or find damaged wood that seems hollowed out.
And yes, do termites swarm in winter?
Not typically.
But drywood termites already living inside your home are sheltered from the weather and can still be active indoors.
Catch Termites Before They Cost You
Termite prevention is always more affordable than repairing termite damage. At Green Home Pest Control, we offer professional pest control services tailored to Arizona homes—whether you’re dealing with drywood termites, dampwood termites, or any other pest.
We use industry-leading bait stations, localized treatments that don’t require fumigation, and thorough inspections to detect any species of termite early.
With our Complete Protection Program, you’ll get year-round defense with the option to bundle your termite control with general pest services for even more savings.
Ready to protect your home from a drywood termite infestation?
Call us now for a free termite inspection.
21 years of pest control experience
Founder and Owner of Green Home Pest Control
13 year resident of Arizona
