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It is often difficult to determine the difference between termites and ants. Termites are often mistaken for flying ants, but there are noticeable differences
Termite swarmers also shed their wings very shortly after they swarm. If you see a pile of bodies scattered among shed wings, they're likely termites.
Large swarms of winged insects inside and/or around the home is the most obvious sign of termite activity. Swarming occurs when reproductive male and female termites exit the colony and attempt to begin building a new colony. Since it takes most termite colonies at least three years to produce termite swarms, this is a likely sign of an ongoing problem.
Color: Brownish
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Size: 1/2' - 5/8'
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
As the name suggests, dampwood termites infest wood with a high moisture content. Dampwood termites are normally larger in size than other termite species. Bodies of king and queen dampwood termites range in size from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch long and have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape and extend beyond their abdomen. Nymphs range up to 5/8 inch and worker dampwood termites are up to 3/4 inch.
Dampwood termite colonies, like drywood termites, have no worker caste. The nymph dampwood termites take care of the kings and queens of the colony and feed the soldier caste.
Because of their need for excessive moisture, dampwood termites are not often found in structures.
Dampwood termites do not usually infest structures because of the low moisture content of wood in structures. However, care must be taken to avoid attracting dampwood termites to a structure.
To avoid dampwood termites, make sure downspouts and gutters are diverted well away from the structure, and avoid prolonged contact between a structure and large areas of moisture, such as ponds or snow drifts.
Dampwood Termites can be found in WA, OR, CA, NV, ID, MT, FL
Color: Light brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Size: 3/8 to 1 inch
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
These social insects infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil.
They form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termite species, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste. The work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood.
Drywood termites infest dry wood, like that found in attic framings.
Drywood termites can infest structures and cause significant damage.
Drywood termites can be avoided by making sure firewood and scrap wood is stored at least 20 feet from the home. Because drywood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes, seal all cracks and crevices in a structure.
Drywood Termites can be found in CA, AZ, FL, AL, GA, LA, MS, SC, TX, VA
Color: Yellowish brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Size: 1/2 inch in length
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most voracious, aggressive and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science. Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite. Swarmer formosan termite are about 1/2 inch in overall length, including their wings.
Formosans are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure.
Formosan termites are the most aggressive subterranean termite species. Formosans are organized into huge underground colonies, and build intricate mud nests inside the walls of a structure.
Because of their aggressive nature, formosan termites are difficult to control once they infest a structure. Prevention is key.
Avoid water accumulation near your home's foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.
Formosan Termites can be found in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, NC, SC, TN, TX, VA
Color: Creamy brown
Legs: Six
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Size: 1/8'
Antennae: Yes
Flight: Yes
Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive 'mud tubes' to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks -- workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite's role in the colony. Cream-colored Worke r subterranean termites are 1/8 to 3/8's of an inch in length. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles. Solider termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately one inch long.
Subterranean termites live underground and build tunnels, referred to as mud tubes, to reach food sources. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose. Subterranean termites swarm in the spring -- groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies.
Subterranean termites need contact with the soil to survive and live underground. They can build tunnels through cracks in concrete.
Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species. They can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.
Avoid water accumulation near your home's foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.
Subterranean Termites can be found in All 50 States
Sources and Useful Links:
Termites, Australian Museum Online - http://www.amonline.net.au/factSheets/termites.htm
Termites, - http://www.luddist.com/term.htm
Termite and Fumigation, County of Los Abngeles - http://acwm.co.la.ca.us/scripts/terfumi.htm
