What Does a Termite Look Like?
Termites are small insects often confused for flying ants. There are different types of termite species, meaning they vary in appearance as well. There are still several similar characteristics that most termite species in Florida share.
The main characteristics of termites include:
- Termites range in size from ¼ – ½”
- Adult termites have 6 legs and straight antennae
- All termites have segmented bodies: a head, thorax, and abdomen
- Different termite castes are different colors, from off-white to dark brown
- Swarmer termites (reproductives/alates) possess wings
Termite Appearance
Because termites can differ in both species and caste, they can also differ in appearance. Perhaps the most complicated part about accurately identifying termites is the fact that they are rarely seen. The discreet behavior within the inner structure of your home makes it difficult to notice them in the first place. Enlisting the help of our professional termite exterminators in Florida is one of the best ways to locate and identify termites.
Here’s how the different species look:
- Subterranean termites are typically an off-white to dark brown/black color. Common subterranean species in Florida include the Asian termite, Eastern subterranean termite, and Formosan termite.
- Dampwood termites are much larger than other kinds of termites and can have a reddish tint on their bodies.
- Drywood termites can be a yellow-brown color, and wings that range from transparent to somewhat gray.
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How To Identify Different Species of Termites
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are about ⅛ to ⅜ inches long and can be anything from pale cream to dark brown or black in color. The alates, or swarmers, have translucent wings. They live in the ground and often build distinctive mud tubes on walls, foundations, and other structures to maintain moisture while traveling between their colony and food sources.
Formosan Termites
Originally from East Asia, Formosan termites are also a subterranean species and slightly larger than the native species, at ⅛ to ½ inches. They are brownish yellow in color.
Drywood Termites
Larger than subterranean species, drywood range from ⅜ to 1 inch in size. As the name suggests, they live in dry wood, above ground level. They produce tiny droppings, or frass, often found near infested wood .
Characteristics of Termite Castes
There are three main termite castes, which determine a termite’s role within the colony. These castes can all make for quite different-looking termites:
- Worker Termites. These make up the majority of a colony and have an off-white to creamy-colored appearance.
- Soldiers. Often confused for ants, soldier termites have large, dark heads with powerful mandibles.
- Alates/Swarmers. Reproductive termites vary in color, but they all have wings that are eventually shed.
How to Spot Termites Near Your Home
One of the greatest dangers of termites is their elusive behaviors. It is rare to find a termite in your home since they are often within the structure of your property! With this in mind, a termite infestation is often best addressed by a professional who knows where to look for termites or signs of their activity. Your local termite exterminators at Bug Out are available to inspect your property to identify the type of termites you have.
Termite FAQs
Swarming termites (winged termites, alates, or swarmers) are an obvious presence briefly during their reproductive season when they take to the wing to establish new colonies. But otherwise, seeing termites can be difficult, as they often live underground or behind walls, under floors, or within furniture.
However, there are some signs that indicate their presence. You might notice discarded wings near windows or doors, mud tubes on exterior walls or foundations, and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Damage to your property, like buckling wood, swollen floors, or bubbling paint can also suggest a termite infestation. If you see any of these signs, call your local Bug Out office to arrange a professional termite inspection.
At about ⅛ to 1 inch long , termites are visible to the naked eye, but they can be difficult to spot as they are normally hidden within wood or soil. You are more likely to see signs of termite damage than the termites themselves – look for droppings (frass), small mud tubes around exterior walls and foundations (used to travel between the termite colony and food sources), and discarded wings, especially around windows or doors.
If you spot any of these signs, or the termites themselves, call your local Florida Bug Out branch to discuss termite treatment.