Formosan vs Native Termites in Mobile: Swarm Season and What to Do
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Short answer: Mobile has two subterranean termites that swarm at different times. Native subterranean termites swarm in the daytime, starting as early as February or March. Formosan subterranean termites swarm at night in late May and June in Alabama and are drawn to lights. Seeing either one indoors is a reason to get an inspection.
Why Mobile has Formosan termites
The Formosan subterranean termite is an invasive species. A 2026 study in Urban Ecosystems traces four decades of its spread in Alabama, starting from the first detection at the Port of Mobile in 1984 (Urban Ecosystems, 2026). Alabama Extension calls it "the most dreaded destroyer of homes" and says it is most prevalent in the hot, humid coastal counties of Mobile and Baldwin (Alabama Cooperative Extension System).
How to tell which termite is swarming
| Native subterranean | Formosan subterranean | |
|---|---|---|
| Time of day | Daytime | Night (dusk and after) |
| Season in Alabama | Begins February/March, depending on the state | Late May to June |
| Drawn to lights? | No | Yes, porch and street lights |
Source: National Termite Survey (NATS), About Termites, which compiles swarm seasons from state Extension literature.
On the Gulf Coast, GoPest's president told WKRG that swarm season runs roughly "Mother's Day to Father's Day," and that subterranean termites tend to come out during the day while Formosan termites swarm at night (WKRG News 5).
You saw winged termites. What now?
- Note the time and place. A night swarm around a light in late May or June suggests Formosan termites; a daytime swarm earlier in spring suggests native ones. Swarmers inside the house matter more than swarmers outdoors.
- Look for evidence. NATS suggests checking for dead swarmers or shed wings on window sills, in spider webs, and inside porch light covers. Mud tubes on the foundation or walls are another sign.
- Cut the lights on swarm nights. GoPest's president advised turning off outside lights and closing blinds during Formosan swarms (WKRG).
- Keep a few samples. A few wings or swarmers in a sealed bag help the inspector identify the species.
- Get an inspection from a licensed company. If you already have a termite bond, call that company first; your contract may require it to inspect and retreat (see termite bonds in Mobile).
Annual inspections still matter
Alabama Extension says homes under contract usually get one inspection a year, and that termites are "silent invaders": damage may not show until it's serious. Removing conditions that favor termites and catching an infestation early are the two most important parts of control (Alabama Extension).
Treatment for Formosan vs native termites
Both live in the soil, so both are usually treated with a liquid soil barrier or bait stations rather than tenting. Angi's 2026 guide lists Formosan treatment at $250–$1,500 and native subterranean at $225–$900 nationally (Angi); whole-house work in Mobile usually costs more. See the Mobile termite cost guide.
Get an inspection
Mobile Bay Termite is a free referral service, not a pest control company. Request a free quote and we'll pass your request to a local termite company in the Mobile area.
Frequently asked questions
When do termites swarm in Mobile, AL?
Native subterranean termites swarm in the daytime, starting as early as February or March. Formosan subterranean termites swarm at night in late May and June in Alabama, according to the National Termite Survey's compilation of Extension data.
How can I tell a Formosan termite swarm from a native one?
Timing is the easiest clue. Formosan termites swarm at night in late May and June and are attracted to lights. Native subterranean termites swarm during the day, earlier in spring, and aren't drawn to lights.
Are Formosan termites common in Mobile?
Yes. Alabama Extension says they are most prevalent in the coastal counties of Mobile and Baldwin. A 2026 study traces their spread in Alabama back to a first detection at the Port of Mobile in 1984.
What should I do if I see winged termites in my house?
Note the time and place, look for shed wings and mud tubes, keep a few samples in a sealed bag, and get an inspection from a licensed termite company. If you have a termite bond, call that company first.
Sources
- Urban Ecosystems (Springer Nature), Four decades of inland invasion by the Formosan subterranean termite in Alabama (2026)
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Termite Territory is Expanding in Alabama
- National Termite Survey, About Termites
- WKRG News 5, What to know about termite swarms: GoPest
- Angi, Termite Treatment Cost (2026 Data)