Termites are small insects that can cause major damage to homes. While termites mostly live underground or inside wood, they will sometimes become visible inside a home when an infestation is severe. Knowing what termites look like and the signs of an infestation can help homeowners identify a termite problem early and take steps to get rid of them.
What do termites look like?
There are different types of termites that may infest homes, but in general termites are small, soft-bodied insects. Worker termites are usually between 1/8 to 1/4 inches long (about the size of an ant), and light brown to cream in color. Termites have straight antennae and straight waists. Their wings are equal in length and their mouths are straight.
Some of the most common termites that infest homes include:
Subterranean termites
– Light brown to cream colored
– 1/4 inch long
– Soft bodies
– Straight antennae
– Wings are equal length
– Waist is broad and straight across
Drywood termites
– Pale brown to tan in color
– 1/8 to 1/4 inch long
– Narrow waists
– Straight antennae
– Front and back wings are equal in size
Dampwood termites
– Creamy white to brown in color
– 1/4 inch long
– Soft bodies
– Straight antennae
– Wings are equal length
Formosan termites
– Pale yellow to brownish
– 1/4 to 1/2 inch long
– Soft bodies
– Straight antennae
– Front and back wings are equal in size
Termites may also be identified by their wings. Worker termites are wingless, but swarming termites have two pairs of long, narrow, equal-length wings. The wings are longer than their bodies. After swarming and finding a mate, termites shed their wings. So while wings indicate a termite, the absence of wings does not mean termites are not present.
What do termites look like in a home?
When inspecting for termites inside your home, there are a few key signs to look for:
Visible termites
You may see the termites themselves crawling on floors, walls, or wood. Look closely at the insects to identify key termite features like straight antenna, narrow waists, and equal-length wings. Seeing live termites inside is a sure sign of an infestation.
Mud tubes
One of the most obvious signs of termites are mud tubes. Subterranean termites construct mud tubes along the edges of walls and foundations as they travel from their underground nest to wood sources. The tubes provide moisture and protection. Tubes may range from a 1/4 inch to one inch wide.
Discarded wings
You may find piles of discarded termite wings around windows, door frames, attics, and crawl spaces. This indicates swarming termites that have recently lost their wings to pair off and start a colony.
Wood damage
Carefully inspect all exposed wood for signs of termite damage. Tap along floorboards, wall paneling, support beams, and furniture to identify areas that sound hollow. Use a screwdriver to probe for damaged areas. Look for tiny holes or galleries in wood that show where termites have tunneled. Wood may also appear blistered or take on a “honeycombed” look.
Where are termites most visible in a home?
Certain areas of the home are more likely to show signs of termites. Be sure to thoroughly inspect:
– Foundations – Look for mud tubes along exterior walls and crawl space walls.
– Crawl spaces – Check support beams, insulation, and any exposed wood. Shine a flashlight to look for termites moving across crawl space floors and walls.
– Basements – Look closely along walls, support posts, and wood structures.
– Attics – Inspect wood rafters, insulation, and inside wall voids.
– Furniture – Tap along furniture legs and edges to check for hollow areas indicating termite damage.
– Flooring – Use a screwdriver to test wood flooring for damage then examine closely.
– Window and door frames – These wood elements are prime targets for termites.
Here is a helpful table summarizing what to look for when inspecting key areas:
| Location | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Foundations | Mud tubes along exterior walls, cracks in foundation |
| Crawl Spaces | Mud tubes on walls and piers, wood damage on beams, discarded wings |
| Basements | Tunnels in wood structures, mud tubes along walls, visible termites |
| Attics | Tunnels and damage to rafters, wood flooring, walls, presence of wings |
| Interior Rooms | Hollow sounding wood flooring or trim, blistering or crumbling sheetrock |
This outlines the key areas where evidence of termites are most likely to be found. Thoroughly checking these locations can help identify hard-to-see infestations.
What do termite droppings look like?
Termite droppings, known as frass, can also indicate an infestation but may not always be present. Frass from drywood termites may take the appearance of small granular pellets, almost like coarse coffee grounds. Droppings from subterranean termites are smaller and harder to spot. Frass may accumulate in piles along baseboards, windowsills, attics, and crawl spaces. The presence of frass helps confirm termites but an absence does not rule them out.
Can you see termites at night?
Termites become more active at night and you may be able to spot them crawling on walls, floors, and wood structures during evenings and nighttime hours when lights are low. Use a flashlight to inspect areas carefully at night and look for signs like moving insects, mud tubes, discarded wings, or wood damage. Viewing termite activity at night can help confirm that termites are active inside the home. If you do spot termites at night, contact a pest management professional right away to schedule treatment.
Conclusion
Being able to identify what termites look like and where to find them is important for every homeowner in order to help detect infestations before structural damage occurs. While termites themselves are small, the signs of their presence can be visible on careful inspection. Look for insects crawling through the home, discarded wings, mud tubes along foundations, and damage to wood. Tap walls, floors, and furniture for hollow areas indicating termites inside. Attics, crawl spaces, and basements are key areas to inspect thoroughly. Catching termite infestations early is crucial to limiting damage and costs. If you see any evidence of termites, reach out to a professional pest management company right away to schedule a thorough inspection and treatment to eliminate the termites and prevent further destruction. Acting quickly improves the chances of getting rid of termites and keeping your home safe from their damage.