Identifying Termites

Identify termite swarms sometimes ant swarms are mistaken as termites.

Identifying termites. Unfortunately eastern subterranean termites don t care where the wood they devour comes from and their search often brings them into our homes and businesses. Formosan termites are also a species of subterranean termite that are common in areas of louisiana texas and florida. They typically measure between 1 4 and 1 2 of an inch long. Termites look similar to ants and need to be inspected closely to differentiate.

Workers have all white bodies and do all of the damage as they feed on the wood in and around your home. Examine by probing exposed wood for hollow spots using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool. Examining physical characteristics 1. Some of the ways to discover if you have termites are listed below.

Although they have distinct characteristics most look similar. Termites are a social insect and have colonies with a caste system that includes workers soldiers and swarmers. Look at the wings and antennae. The pests have soft bodies and straight antennae.

Drywood termites can also be found in the us sometimes nearer to the coast although they don t need moisture to. Colors range from white to light brown in color. Size length. Identifying termite species all types of termites can cause damage to your home but knowing a bit more about the different species of termites can help identify them more easily.

What do termites look like. There are over 2 000 different species of termites with over 40 species in the united states alone. Depending on where you are in the country can also determine the types of termites you may have to contend with. Subterranean termite species that are the most common are the eastern subterranean termite arid land subterranean termite and the western subterranean termite.

Catch an insect if possible. They are also the most common species of termites infesting homes in the u s. Termites have distinctly different wings and antennae than ants. Identifying termite species formosan termites are a particularly serious type of subterranean termite but are not as common.

Eastern subterranean termites as their name suggests these termites nest beneath the ground in the soil. Worker termites often appear lighter while swarming termites are darker.