What Do Termites Look Like? Signs and Prevention Tips

Every homeowner and commercial building owner fears having a pest problem, but no pest is as feared as a termite infestation. Termites are destructive pests that eat through a building’s wooden structures, causing expensive damage in their wake. Although Massachusetts is home to these pests, there’s no immediate cause for alarm. The first line of defense is education. Knowing what termites look like and their infestation signs can aid in early detection, saving you both time and money.

Visual Guide: What Do Termites Look Like?

Termites vary in appearance depending on their “job” in the colony and the species of termite—they can become even harder to identify if you’re unsure how their features differ from ants. In Massachusetts, subterranean termites are the most common termites, so you’ll want to look for the following features:  

  • Termites are usually white, beige, brown, or sometimes even black. Workers are a whitish color, soldiers are more beige or orange, and swarmers range from brown to black. 
  • Termites are small creatures, only getting up to an inch long. Typically, workers will be much smaller (sometimes as small as a ¼ inch), while soldiers, swarmers, and the queen are larger in size. 
  • Termite bodies appear to have one continuous section beside the head, which is larger than the abdomen on workers and soldiers. Swarmers are easily identifiable by their wings, which are equal in size and straight. This is the best way to tell a termite from an ant—ant bodies have 3 very distinct sections and their wings are two different sizes.
  • Termite antennae are straight. Another way to differentiate them from ants is ant antennae are bent, similar to how an elbow would bend.

What You Need to Know about Termites

Termites cause over $5 billion in property damage each year—damage that’s generally not covered by insurance. Homeowners need to understand that these pests (also known as the silent destroyers) can eat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. In fact, a very large colony of subterranean termites can eat through a cup of wood in just two hours. 

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends that homeowners have a professional termite inspection done every one to three years, depending on the level of termite activity in the region. Generally, warmer weather climates see more termite activity. During your routine pest control services, you can ask your technician to check for any signs of termites if you have concerns. 

Understanding Swarmers and Their Role

Swarmers, which are sometimes referred to as “reproductives,” are young adult female and male termites with wings. During the spring, termite swarmers emerge to mate and find a new spot to establish a colony, often choosing our homes as their preferred nesting place. Because they lose their wings once they find a new place to settle, termite swarmers and their discarded wings near window sills and doors are often the first signs of a termite problem.

What Are Some Signs of Termite Damage?

Termite activity can be very difficult to detect. But you may be able to see the signs of termite damage before you spot the pest itself. Here are some things to look out for: 

  • Termite swarms, as we mentioned in the earlier paragraph
  • Mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source) on the exterior of the home
  • Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped
  • Darkening or blistering of wood structures
  • Cracked or bubbling paint
  • Small piles of feces that resemble sawdust (this is often found near the nest itself)

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What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Termites?

There are several steps you can take to prevent termites from your home. Some ways include: 

  • Eliminate or reduce moisture in and around the home (this gets rid of the termites’ water supply).
  • Seal cracks and holes on the outside of the home, including entry points for utilities and pipes.
  • Remove old boards, grade stakes, tree trunks, and roots near a building.
  • Repair leaking faucets, fascia, soffits, rotted roof shingles, water pipes, and AC units that are outside of the home.
  • Replace weather stripping and loose mortar around the basement foundation and windows.
  • Divert water away from your house with properly functioning downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks.
  • Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of termite damage listed above.
  • Monitor all exterior areas with wood, including windows, doorframes, and skirting boards, for any noticeable changes.
  • Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and 5 inches off the ground.
  • Maintain an 18-inch gap between the soil and any wood portions of your home.

Of course, routine professional pest control is the best termite treatment option; however, these steps will help keep your home termite-free in between treatments. 

Protect Your Home from Termites with F&W Pest Control

With termites, you don’t want to mess around. Even one or two signs of termites can mean you have a full-blown infestation, which will require professional treatment. Our team knows what termites look like and where they hide, and we will thoroughly inspect your building or home for any sign of termites and create a plan for both treatment and future prevention. If you believe your home or business is experiencing pest or termite issues, contact F&W Pest Control today for a free inspection and quote!

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