A few times in May and June, an insect known as a flying termite or “gamu-gamo” gather on street and house lights. It is also during these times when the rainy season begins in the Philippines.

While studies on the relationship of winged termites and the start of the wet season are limited, large evidence links the two together.

There are two conditions needed for flying termites to leave its colony: (1) damp soil and (2) warm, humid, and calm air. Both of these are essential in order for the termites to reproduce and form a new colony.

So how are such conditions related to the rainy season? One good sign that the wet season is approaching is the frequent occurrence of thunderstorms in the afternoon. By dusk during which the thunderstorm ends, the soil reaching the colony is dampened and the air becomes humid and calm as well.

Simply put, the swarming of flying termites is a sign of frequent afternoon thunderstorms, which in turn is a sign of an impending wet season. Unfortunately, such a swarm is also an alarming sign that your house is in trouble.