How To Handle Those Flying Termite Swarms In Your West Texas Yard

It happened twice in one day, once in the morning and again in the evening. I stepped out onto my front patio, headed to my truck, when I was suddenly covered in a swarm of flying insects. For a split second, I thought they were mosquitoes or bees. I swatted, ducked, and said a few choice words before realizing these weren’t stinging bugs.

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Yes, West Texas is being Invaded. But here’s the good news: They don't sting but they're so annoying and alarming. I was even breathing a few of these pests in. I found out when I got to the station and the Mayor was in my studio to do an interview.

Mayor Weldon Hurt says "They are just 'Ag Termites' and they eat dead grass and leaves and not your home, they're trying to find a mate.

They Are Not the Destructive Kind (But Still Gross)

These airborne invaders are called turf termites. They're the reproductive members of termite colonies, taking to the skies around dawn and dusk to find a mate and start a new colony. The good news? They don’t want your wood, they’re looking for dead grass and leaves, not lumber or sheetrock.

Read More: 3 Simple Easy Ways to Live Mosquito Free in West Texas

Still, as I found out first-hand, it’s a pretty creepy encounter, especially when it feels like something out of a bug-themed horror movie. After Monday’s double encounter, I knew I had to get the word out to you.

I Spoke with Mayor Hurt, Who's a Bug Expert

When Mayor Weldon Hurt, owner of Pest Patrol of Abilene, stopped by the station to talk with Tonya Harbin of Tonya Harbin Real Estate, our conversation turned to, of all things, insects in our homes.

Mayor Hurt reassured me that swarming termites are common this time of year, especially after heavy rains. "Don't panic," he said. “These turf termites don’t eat your home.” But their presence can sometimes indicate that the destructive kind may be nearby. The best advice? Avoid going outside during swarm times, early morning and evening, and let the West Texas wind do its job, blowing them away.

Wet Weather Brings Out the Worst

Beyond termites, all this rain has created ideal breeding grounds for pests, mosquitoes, bees, wasps, flies, and even spiders are more active. Many spiders settle into dark places like attics, or underneath our lawn chairs, and Mayor Hurt recommends professional fogging your attic and spraying your home to clear out harmful insects and prevent infestations.

So, if you see bugs flying or creeping where they shouldn’t be, don’t ignore it. Keep your home, pets, and family safe by staying alert, and maybe keeping a hat handy for the next surprise swarm.