Pest control companies often assist clients in identifying signs of termite infestations. Detecting termite damage early is crucial for preventing extensive property damage. Professionals typically look for key indicators, such as mud tubes, damaged wood, and the presence of swarming termites. By carefully inspecting the affected areas, pest control experts can determine the severity of the infestation and recommend appropriate treatments to protect the property from further harm.
How to Identify Termites
1) Tube-like body with 2 straight antennae
All termites have 2 straight, beaded antennae that may droop. They also have uniform, tube-like bodies that do not cinch in near the waist. Unlike termites, ants have a narrow constriction at the top of their abdomen, which looks like a cinched waist. Their antennae are relatively smooth and bend at a ninety-degree angle.
2) 0.64 centimeter to 1.27 centimeter long (¼ to ½ inch long)
Worker termites are the most common type of termite, and they’re between 0.64 centimeter to 1.27 centimeter inch long. Soldier termites are slightly bigger than workers because they have large mandibles, or protruding jaws to defend the colony against invaders. Reproductive termites (also called alates or flying termites) range from 1.27 to 2.54 centimeter long (½ to 1 inch long).
Each termite colony has different castes, or functional roles within the group. The caste system is divided into reproductive, soldier, and worker termites, and each caste has a distinctive size and look.
If possible, catch a termite in a termite tunnel so you can inspect it closely. Pick up the termite by gently clasping it between your thumb and forefinger, or by trapping it between a jar and a piece of paper.
3) Cream, pale red, light brown, or black in color
Depending on the type of termite you find, it can be pale or dark. Worker termites are cream-colored and have a soft, transparent exoskeleton. Soldier termites are usually white, pale red, or light brown in color. Reproductive termites tend to be dark brown or black.
4) Four identical wings (for reproductives)
Reproductive termites have 4 wings that are roughly the same size and are translucent in color. When folded back, the wings look like a single opaque wing that’s about twice as long as the termite’s body. Worker and soldier termites do not have wings. Unlike termites, ants have 4 wings that are tinted brown, and their front wings are longer than their hind wings.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
1) Wood damage
If you suspect there is an infestation in your customer’s home, tap on the walls with the head of a screwdriver. Hollow-sounding wood could mean you have an infestation. According to Bloom, “termites are often found below or at grade areas of a structure where moisture is present.” So, inspect the base of your wall near the soil line and look for any entryways in your floor. Sagging floors, peeling paint, and dark or blistered areas on wood paneling are also signs of an infestation.
2) Swarming termites
If you find a reproductive termite in customer’s home, there’s a high chance that he have an infestation. Reproductives are the colony members responsible for mating, and once they find a place to lay their eggs, they’ll settle down and start building their nest. While they do not cause structural damage themselves, they do form colonies of worker termites that feed on wood and may attack home. After reproductive termites mate, they lose their wings. If you see piles of silvery, membranous wings that are about 0.65 centimeter long, it could be a sign of an infestation.
3) Termite droppings
Termites feed on wood, then produce hard fecal pellets that have small dimples or ridges. The pellets are about 0.1 centimeter long, and they often show up in piles near walls or any areas where the termites have built a colony. Keep in mind that some termites use their droppings as construction material for tunnels. If you have subterranean termites, for example, you might not notice droppings in your home.
4) Mud tubes
Some termites build mud tubes on foundation walls or in cracks. They’re made out of soil, saliva, and droppings, and are used to protect the colony from sunlight and predators. If you see one, You can dig around the area with your hands to see if there are termites inside. Common areas for mud tubes include where the sill plate joins your foundation wall, where support beams meet your flooring, and behind baseboards. These tubes are usually the thickness of a pencil.
5) Clicking noises in your walls
Termites are usually silent, but soldiers can bang their head against the wall to recruit additional workers or attract other soldiers for defense. This produces a soft clicking or rustling sound, but it may be difficult to hear in a busy household.
Coptotermes, Reticulitermes, Odontotermes, and Macrotermes
Globally, the primary termite species responsible for causing damage to buildings are Coptotermes, Reticulitermes, Odontotermes, and Macrotermes. These four types of termites are known for their destructive effects on wooden structures, posing significant risks to properties worldwide. Please learn how to differentiate between termite species in this article.
