What Does a Termite Look Like?

Termites are small insects often confused for flying ants. There are different types of termite species, meaning they vary in appearance as well. That said, termites share a number of similar characteristics, including:

• Termites range in size from ¼ – ½”
• Different termite castes are different colors, from off-white to dark brown
• All termites have segmented bodies: a head, thorax, and abdomen
• Adult termites have six legs and straight antennae
• Swarmer termites (reproductives/alates) possess wings

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Termite Appearance by Type

Because termites can differ in both species and caste, they can also differ in appearance. Termites are also rarely seen, so it’s best to enlist the help of a professional pest control expert to identify termites. Here’s how the different species look:

1. Dampwood termites are much larger than other kinds of termites and can have a reddish tint on their bodies.
2. Drywood termites can be a yellow-brown color, and wings that range from transparent to somewhat gray.
3. Subterranean termites are typically an off-white to dark brown/black color.

How to Spot Termites Near Your Home

Termites are elusive pests, which is why they’re considered so dangerous. It is rare to see termites in your home. This is because they are often within the very structure of your home! For this reason, identifying termites is always best left to a professional. Your local termite exterminators at Rentokil can inspect your property to identify the type of termites you have.

How Long Do Termites Live?

Different termite castes have different life spans. On average, termites live for the following amounts of time:

• Worker and soldier termites live for one to two years.
• Reproductive termites, also known as alates or swarmers, can live for nearly four years.
• The termite queen has been known to survive for twenty years or more under prime conditions.

Termite Castes

There are three main termite castes, which determine a termite’s role within the colony: workers, soldiers, and alates (or swarmers). As of now, it is still unknown how exactly termites are designated a caste. All research that has been conducted suggests that the designation depends on social and environmental cues based on the needs of the colony. Scientists have also speculated that termites can switch castes at any point depending on the needs of the colony.

These castes can all make for quite different-looking termites:

1. Workers: These make up the majority of a colony and have an off-white to creamy-colored appearance.
2. Soldiers: Often confused for ants, soldier termites have large, dark heads with powerful mandibles.
3. Alates/Swarmers: Reproductive termites vary in color, but they all have wings that are eventually shed.

If you spot any termites, regardless of where they’re at in their lifecycle, call a local termite exterminator. When it comes to termite infestations – the sooner you call, the better!