What Does a Termite Look Like?

Termite Appearance by Type

Termites of different species look similar, but there are ways to tell them apart. You won’t often see termites in the wild – aside from the winged swarmers – so if you suspect a termite problem, it’s best to get a professional to identify them for you. Here are a few broad characteristics of each type of termite:

1. Dampwood termites are much larger than other kinds of termites; they are reddish in color.
2. Drywood termites are usually yellow-brown in color; their wings range from transparent to gray.
3. Subterranean termites are usually off-white to dark brown or even black.

How to Spot Termites Near Your Home

It’s rare to spot a termite; they’re usually hidden inside their nests and out of sight. You’re much more likely to see the mess they leave behind. By the time you notice those signs, though, the termites could have done a lot of damage to your property. That’s why preemptive inspections are such an important part of termite control in Atlanta, GA.

Termite Castes

Even within the same species, termites’ appearances vary by their caste – their role in the colony. The three main castes are the workers, soldiers, and swarmers (also known as alates.) It’s unclear how a termite’s role is designated, but these roles seem to be distributed based on the colony’s needs; termites may even be able to switch castes if needed.

Here are some further details about each of the castes.

• Workers. These make up the majority of any termite colony. They can be off-white or cream-colored.
• Soldiers. This is the type of termite most commonly mistaken for ants. They have large, dark heads and strong, prominent jaws.
• Alates (swarmers.) These termites vary in coloration, but all have wings. These wings eventually fall off when no longer needed.

How Long Do Termites Live?

Termite longevity varies by caste. On average, those lifespans are about this long:

• Workers and soldiers live for one to two years. 
• Reproductives, also called alates and swarmers, can live for about four years.
• Queens are the longest-lived termites, and can survive for up to twenty or more years.

No matter where termites are in their life cycle, they’re not welcome in any home or business. If you suspect you have a termite problem, don’t hesitate to contact Inspect-All Pest Services. The sooner you call, the better your chances of eliminating termites without extensive damage.