Houston termite season is not a single season — subterranean and Formosan termites in Greater Houston are active year-round. However, the swarming period from February through April is when most homeowners first discover an infestation, and it is the most important time to schedule an inspection.
When Do Termites Swarm in Houston?
Native subterranean termites (Reticulitermes flavipes and Reticulitermes virginicus) typically swarm from mid-February through April, triggered by warm rain when soil temperatures reach approximately 68°F. Swarmers emerge during daylight hours, often after a rain event, and are attracted to windows and doors.
Formosan termites swarm later — from April through June — and swarm at dusk, attracted to outdoor lights. A cloud of Formosan swarmers around a porch light or streetlight is a strong indicator of a mature colony in the immediate area.
What To Do During Swarming Season
If you see winged termites inside your home during February through April, do not panic, but do act: seal them in a bag for identification and schedule a WDI inspection. Indoor swarmers almost always indicate an active colony inside the structure — not termites that entered from outside.
Even if you see no swarmers, early spring is the best time for an annual termite inspection for Houston homes. Mud tubes that were hidden behind insulation or in crawl spaces become visible as colonies expand their foraging range. Our TPCL-licensed technicians recommend scheduling inspections before the Formosan swarming window opens in April.