It is important to distinguish swarming ants from termites, since control measures for these two insects are quite different. Winged termites can be distinguished from winged ants on the basis of the characteristics shown in the illustration. In most drywood species there is no true worker caste, as this function is taken over by nymphs. They gather food, enlarge the nest and feed and care for the queen, immature forms and others in the colony. Soldiers resemble workers in color and general appearance.
Soldiers defend the colony against invaders, primarily ants.
In one or two species that have been found infesting furniture brought into Texas from southern Florida and Central or South America, the soldiers have broad, high, blunt heads that are used to plug up holes in the nest and prevent the invasion of predator. After a drywood termite colony has matured, which requires several years, swarmers are produced. Swarming activity occurs at dusk or in the evening and swarmers tend to fly towards areas of greatest light intensity, gathering around lights or illuminated windows. Swarming occurs in late summer and early fall for most Texas species. Certain environmental conditions, such as heat, light and moisture, trigger the emergence of swarmers, and each species has a definite set of conditions under which swarming will occur.