What Do Termites Look Like?

Termite Size

Adult termites typically measure between 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch in length with elongated, slender bodies. Termite larvae are considerably smaller at only about 1/10 inch long. These size ranges hold across various species.

Termite Color

Termites commonly appear in shades of black, white, or brown. Worker termites are creamy white to pale tan. Soldier termites have darker, often orange-colored heads. Swarming termites appear black or dark brown.

Worker Termites

Lighter in color (creamy white to pale tan), smallest of mature adults. Handle foraging and feeding the queen and larvae.

Soldier Termites

More robust and darker with large heads and massive jaws (mandibles). Orange or amber-colored heads for defense.

Reproductive Termites

Known as swarmers or alates. Generally darker (dark brown to black) with wings for nuptial flight.

Larvae and Eggs

Generally white or translucent, resembling small jellybeans. Found within the nest, rarely seen without exposing inner chambers.

Subterranean Termites

The most prevalent type infesting homes across the U.S. They establish colonies underground and create extensive tunnel systems, building characteristic mud tubes from soil to reach wooden structures.

Drywood Termites

Live entirely within wooden structures and do not require contact with soil. Can infest attic timbers and furniture. Colonies are considerably smaller, making early detection more challenging.

Formosan Termites

Probably the most destructive of all termite species. A mature colony can house millions of termites, with queens laying about 2,000 eggs per day and living up to 15 years.

Dampwood Termites

Thrive in moist, humid environments and specifically seek out damp or decaying wood. Larger than other species, often reaching nearly an inch in length. Emit a distinctly unpleasant odor.

Mud Tubes

About the width of a pencil, typically found where the ground meets your house. Subterranean termites build these to travel between colonies and food sources.

Discarded Wings

Look near entry points like windows, doors, or foundation walls. Swarmers shed their wings after finding a new place to establish a colony.

Frass (Droppings)

Termite droppings that resemble fine sawdust or coffee grounds. Often found near tiny holes or tunnels in the wood.

Blistering/Buckling Floors

Caused by termites feeding on the subfloor. May make the floor appear to have water damage.

Discolored/Drooping Drywall

Termites eating cellulose in drywall can cause paint and wallpaper to peel or the drywall itself to sag or discolor.

Loosened Tiles

As the flooring base deteriorates from termite damage, tiles may become loose or detach completely.

Termites vs Carpenter Ants

Termites vs Carpenter Bees

Termites consume wood from the inside out. Carpenter bees do not eat wood but drill into it to create nests, making round, smooth holes about half an inch in diameter.

Termites vs Powderpost Beetles

Powderpost beetles bore into wood to lay eggs, with larvae feeding on the wood as they develop. Unlike termites, they can sometimes be seen on the surface of wood.

Professional Pest Control

The most reliable way to eliminate termites. Professionals provide thorough inspections, identify the species, and apply appropriate treatments such as soil treatments, bait systems, or chemical barriers.

Termite Bait Stations

Installed around the perimeter of a property to attract termites. Once termites feed on the slow-acting poison bait, they return to their colony and spread the toxin, eventually collapsing the colony.

Liquid Termiticides

Applied in the soil around and beneath a structure to create a chemical barrier that kills termites on contact or when ingested. Effective for both barrier protection and killing existing termites.

Borate Wood Treatment

Applying borate treatments to wood before painting or sealing can prevent termite infestations by poisoning the wood and making it lethal to termites that attempt to consume it.

Remove Food Sources

Eliminate sources of moisture and remove potential food sources like woodpiles, debris, and mulch from around the structure to help deter termites from your home.