Subterranean termites, the most common kind of termite found in the U.S., live in the soil. They can live just below the surface to as much as 12 feet down. Foraging territories may extend several hundred feet from the colony. Subterranean termites cause more damage each year than all combined natural disasters; fires, earthquakes and storms. They cause nearly one billion dollars a year in structural damage.
Swarmer termites are usually the first visual indication that there are termites present. Before the swarmers take flight, environmental conditions must be just right. Environmental conditions are most favorable on warm, sunny, humid days. Other contributing factors include moisture levels inside and outside the colony, light conditions, and the barometric pressure. These conditions often occur on days after rain showers.
After a short flight, the wings break off and males and females pair off to establish a new colony. A sure sign that termites have swarmed is a pile of hundreds of these broken-off wings within a small area.