Hi!

These insects appear to be termites. Termites are native insects, and we all have some in the vicinity of our homes naturally! They are social insects, living in colonies of up to several million individuals.

Periodically, mature termite colonies produce a brood of winged reproductive offspring called swarmers or alates. These winged termites fly in large numbers to disperse and initiate new colonies. Flights of termite alates or piles of shed wings are often the first sign to the homeowner of an infestation. Alates are not a danger to structures; most die of dehydration if they fly inside.

A flight of alates indicates a healthy termite colony nearby, and the problem should be investigated, especially if swarmers are found indoors.

The most important preventive measures you can take to make your home inhospitable to termites are eliminating any direct contact between wood and soil and reducing moisture in and around the house. You might be interested in reading our resource on termites. https://extension.umd.edu/resource/termites

How to tell winged ants from termites: https://extension.umd.edu/resource/ants-and-termites-how-tell-difference

Jamie