Termites are known as the silent destroyers, and for good reason. These small but mighty pests can be busy working behind the walls, doors, floors, and other parts of your house. Unbeknownst to you, they can be causing extreme damage. The damage that termites can cause can be so extensive that they have been responsible for rendering entire buildings unsafe to access.
So, what do termites look like? Keep reading for some handy tips that you can use to identify termites and prevent them from causing damage to your home.
What Do Termites Look Like?
A termite infestation is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Often, people remain completely unaware that these pests have infiltrated their properties until the structural damage has become severe and widespread.
For that reason, if you own a home, knowing how to identify termites is extremely important. Knowing the signs of termites can be the difference between preventing an infestation and having to deal with extensive and expensive repairs.
With that said, however, trying to identify termites is often easier said than done. Termite species can look a lot like carpenter ants, and as such, many homeowners often dismiss termites for ants. As you can imagine, this can lead to serious problems.
An Overview of Termite Appearance
- Size: Termites can range in size from 1/8 of an inch to 1 inch long
- Color: The color of termites can vary from white to brown to black, and depends on the type and age of the termite
- Characteristics: Termites have two sets of equally long wings, three body segments, and straight antenna
Termite Colors
Depending on the species of termites, they aren’t all the same color; in other words, termites vary in color. For instance, some types of termites, such as dampwood termites and conehead termites, have dark heads with cream-colored bodies. On the other hand, Formosan, drywood termites, and subterranean termites are usually light brown or cream.
Not only does termite color vary from species to species, but it can also vary within the same species. Termite color can change with age. For example, young termites can be cream-colored and almost translucent in appearance. Older adults of the same species are solid in color; solid brown or black, for instance.
Termites Size
While there are several different species of termites in the United States and they do vary in size, generally speaking, all varieties of termites are small. On average, these pests range in size from about 1/8 of an inch to 1 inch long. Again, the size can vary within the same species of termites according to age. For example, younger termites are obviously smaller than fully mature or adult termites.
Termite Wings
At certain times of the year, colonies produce termite swarmers (also known as “alates”). These are the winged adults that are in charge of reproducing. These reproductive termites use their wings to fly away from their colonies to reproduce.
Oftentimes, homeowners confuse swarmer termites with flying ants, as the two do have a similar appearance. However, if you look closely enough, there are distinct differences.
Swarmers have two sets of wings on their bodies, and the wings are equal in length, while the two sets of wings on flying ants are different lengths. After mating, the termites shed their wings. You may find discarded wings around your house. If you find winged termites in your home, you may have an existing problem.
Termite Appearance
In addition to the color, size, and wings, termites can be differentiated from ants by their overall appearance. For instance, winged termites have a straight waist, while the waists of flying ants are pinched in the middle. Additionally, the antennae between these two insects vary. Swarmer termites have straight antennae while flying ants have bent antennae.
Termite Treatment Options
When dealing with termites, several effective treatment options are available to eliminate these pests and prevent further damage. Chemical treatments like liquid soil-applied termiticides create a barrier around your home, while termite bait systems use strategically placed stations to attract and eliminate colonies. Both methods are highly effective and commonly used by professionals.
For non-chemical options, heat treatment involves raising the temperature of affected areas to kill termites, while fumigation uses gas to penetrate the entire structure. Biological controls, such as introducing natural predators like nematodes or fungi, offer an eco-friendly solution. Physical barriers, like sand or stainless steel mesh, can also prevent termite entry and are often used alongside other treatments for added protection.
Preventing Future Infestations
Preventing future termite infestations requires proactive measures. Reduce moisture in your home by fixing leaks and ensuring proper ventilation. Also, remove any small piles of wood debris from your yard that could attract termites. Keep wooden structures off the ground and use pressure-treated wood when possible to eliminate food sources.
Regular inspections by a professional pest control service can help detect early signs of infestation and ensure that any necessary treatments are promptly applied.
Termite Inspection
If you suspect you have termites, use the above-mentioned description and closely examine them to determine if that is what they are. If you aren’t sure or you aren’t comfortable doing so, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Contact a professional pest control expert to determine if termites live near you.
Contact ABC Termite and Pest Control in Omaha and Lincoln, NE to talk with a termite control professional for a termite inspection.
Additional Information: Termite Infestations
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