What Does a Termite Look Like?

When trying to identify a potential infestation, recognizing what termites look like is important. These pests may be small, but their appearance offers important clues. Termites are insects that are often mistaken for flying ants. While different species have their own distinct traits, they all share some common features, such as:

Size Range: Termites typically measure between ¼ and ½ inch in length.
Color Variation: Their color varies by caste, ranging from pale off-white to deep brown.
Body Structure: All termites have a segmented body with a head, thorax, and abdomen.
Legs and Antennae: Adults are equipped with six legs and straight antennae.
Wings: Reproductive termites, also known as swarmers or alates, have wings.

Termite Appearance by Type

Different species and castes of termites bring different physical traits, making identification tricky. Since termites often stay out of sight, a professional inspection is usually needed. Here’s how to tell them apart:

Dampwood: These termites are noticeably larger than other species and often display a reddish hue on their bodies.
Drywood: Drywood termites typically have a yellow-brown color, with wings that appear either transparent or slightly gray.
Subterranean: Subterranean termites generally range in color from pale off-white to dark brown or nearly black.

How to Spot Termites Near Your Home

Termites are dangerous pests because they’re so hard to detect. They usually remain hidden inside the structure of your home, making it rare to see them. To effectively identify and address a termite issue, it’s best to rely on professionals. Active Pest Control’s experts can assess your property and pinpoint the type of termites present.

How Long Do Termites Live?

The lifespan of termites varies depending on their caste. Generally, termites live for the following durations:

Queens: The termite queen may live for over twenty years in ideal conditions.
Workers/Soldiers: Worker and soldier termites typically live for one to two years.
Reproductive/Alates: Reproductive termites, or alates/swarmers, can survive for up to four years.

Termite Castes

Termites are organized into three main castes—workers, soldiers, and alates (or swarmers), each serving a specific role within the colony. While it remains unclear how termites are assigned to a particular caste, research indicates that their designation is influenced by social and environmental factors based on the colony’s needs.

Some scientists also believe that termites can shift castes as needed to fulfill the evolving requirements of the colony. These castes result in termites that can vary greatly in appearance:

Workers: The most numerous caste in a colony, worker termites are typically off-white to creamy in color.
Soldiers: With their sizable dark heads and strong mandibles, soldier termites are commonly mistaken for ants.
Alates/Swarmers: These reproductive termites come in various colors, but all have wings that are eventually discarded.

If you come across any termites at any stage of their lifecycle, contact a local termite exterminator immediately. Acting fast is crucial when dealing with infestations!

Back to Termite Identification

What Does a Termite Look Like?

Termite Appearance by Type

How to Spot Termites Near Your Home

How Long Do Termites Live?

Termite Castes

Take Action Against Unwanted Pests

What Does a Termite Look Like in Indiana, Illinois & Kentucky?

Evansville, IN | Indianapolis, IN | Jasper, IN | Terre Haute, IN | Bowling Green, KY | Lexington, KY | Louisville, KY | Owensboro, KY | Robinson, IL