Did you know termites cost American homeowners billions each year? Most infestations are not caught until it’s too late. With over 2,600 termite species, spotting them early is key to saving your home.
Termites are hard to tell apart from ants, especially carpenter ants. They are both about 1/4 to 1/2 inches long. But, there are ways to tell them apart. Knowing what termites look like can help you catch them early.
Look for signs like damaged wood, termite wings, and mud tubes. These could mean termites are hiding somewhere. Companies like ACTION Termite & Pest Control can check for termites and stop damage.
Understanding Termite Appearance
Spotting a termite problem starts with knowing how different termites look and act. There are over 2,300 types of termites worldwide. In the U.S., you’ll mostly see drywood, dampwood, and subterranean termites.
Drywood termites live in dry wood, like decks and fences. They’re light brown and about 1/4″ to 3/8″ long. Their colonies are small but can do a lot of damage.
Dampwood termites like wet, rotting wood. They’re bigger than drywood termites and look more solid. They’re not as common in homes but can still cause a lot of harm.
Subterranean termites are everywhere in the U.S. They make mud tubes to move around. They’re light brown and about the same size as drywood termites. Their big colonies can cost homeowners a lot, over $5 billion a year.
Here are some signs you might have termites:
- Fallen wings near windows or doors mean swarmers are around.
- Wood that looks hollowed out along the grain might have mud tubes.
- Termite droppings look like small, elongated pellets and are dark brown, black, or tan.
- Clicking or rustling sounds in walls mean termites are eating or digging.
Knowing how to spot termites helps you take action fast. It’s key to keeping your home safe from these pests.
What do termites look like in the house?
When you look closely at termites in a house, you’ll see different types. Workers and soldiers are about 1/4 inch long and are soft and cream-colored. Soldiers have darker heads and big jaws. Reproductive termites, like kings and queens, are dark brown and have clear wings.
Signs of termites include mud tubes, swarms, and damaged wood. These signs can hide for months or years. So, regular termite inspection is key.
Termites can be from ⅛ inch to over one inch long. Workers and soldiers live up to a year or more. Queens can live up to ten years. Flying termites help start new colonies.
Look for signs like droppings, hollow wood, and loose wings. Quick termite treatment is needed to stop damage. Fixing moisture and wood near soil is also important.
Conclusion
Spotting termites in your home requires a sharp eye and knowledge of their signs. Termites are not the same as white ants. They have straight antennae, a thick waist, and a soft, pale body. Signs like mud tubes or wings near windows show they’re around.
Termites can cause a lot of damage and cost a lot of money. That’s why finding them early is so important. Companies like ACTION Termite & Pest Control can help with locating and exterminating termites in your home. Call us today at (602) 899-2222 for professional termite control services.