These greatly increase the egg-laying activity and population of the colony. Normally at least three to four years or more will pass before any swarming of winged termites from the colony occurs. Swarmers are the most visible form of termite. These termites can be confused with many ants that also swarm in the spring. However, swarming ants have elbowed antennae, a narrow waist and front wings that are longer than the back wings.
Swarming termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and all wings the same length.
Native subterranean termites are common throughout South Carolina. Formosan subterranean termites are known to occur mainly in the coastal counties, however some have also been found in Orangeburg County. In a mature native termite colony there may be several hundred thousand workers. A mature Formosan subterranean termite colony may have millions of workers. The sheer numbers of Formosan subterranean termites usually make this type the most destructive.