If you’ve ever been sitting in your living room and—bam!—a swarm of winged bugs suddenly takes over your lamp, you’re not alone. For homeowners who take pride in keeping their house clean and safe, the sudden appearance of flying termites can feel confusing and alarming. Why now? Why here? And most importantly: what does this mean for your home? Let’s break it down in plain language so you know exactly what’s happening, what it signals, and what steps you can take to protect your house from damage. What Are Flying Termites, Exactly? Flying termites, also called swarmers or alates , are termites in their reproductive stage. Think of them as the “founders” of new colonies. Their mission isn’t to eat your wood just yet—it’s to leave their old nest, pair up, and create a brand-new colony somewhere else. When you see them indoors, it means one of two things: There’s a termite colony already inside your home . Or a nearby colony outdoors is looking for new real estate (and your house h...