First major Formosan termite swarm of 2014

The first major swarm of flying, reproductive versions of Formosan termites occurred in the New Orleans area on Saturday evening, May 10. The alates, the reproductive version of the insect that has wings, flies out of nests on days after significant rain events when the temperature is about 80 degrees and winds are between 0 and 5 miles per hour. The insects can fly 300 to 1000 yards -- even across the Mississippi River -- and need only mate with a single insect to create a new nest. The insects look for water, wood and a location away from wind or other other interferences.