What does termites look like? This article will explain the difference between ants and the different types of termites that you might be dealing with. It’s important to know the differences as they require different methods of treatment. Before you can begin the termite control process, you will need to make sure you are dealing with termites and not ants. These insects are often confused because they share many traits and termites do kind of look like ants. The following traits can be used to help you tell the difference between termites and ants.

Termites:

• Termites have a thick waist
• Termites have straight antennae
• Termites have shorter legs
• When wings are present, both pairs of wings will be the same length on a termite

Ants:

• Ants have noticeable waists
• Ants have clubbed or bent antennae
• Ants have longer legs
• When wings are present, the front wings will be longer than the back wings on ants

Once you have determined you are indeed dealing with a termite infestation you will need to find out if you have subterranean termites or dry wood termites because subterranean termite treatment is quite different from dry wood termite treatment.

Subterranean termites:

• Subterranean termites have the main portion of their nest underground
• Subterranean termites make mud tubes to access structures
• Subterranean termites usually have large colonies
• Subterranean termites do not kick out feces and debris
• Subterranean termites typically eat along the grain of the wood
• Subterranean termites are known to make “carton” nests in wall voids and in trees. A carton is a nest made from the termite fecal matter to maintain the correct moisture level when the termites are unable to return to the actual subterranean nest.

vs

Drywood Termites:

• Drywood Termites do not require soil contact
• Drywood Termites nest inside of the wood they are infesting
• Drywood Termites do not make mud tubes
• Drywood Termites fly into infest wood
• Drywood Termites make small “kick out” holes in wood to push feces and debris out of the nest
• Drywood Termites leave small piles of debris outside of the infested wood
• Drywood Termites usually eat across and along the grain of the wood
• Drywood Termites are usually found in coastal regions but they can be transported in infested wood

What are the differences in termite infestation?

Now that you can identify what the differences are between different species of Termites we need to know the differences in infestations inside or on your property as they frequently go unnoticed for a protracted period of time. Termites, whether dry wood termites, which tunnel deeply within wooden structures, or subterranean termites, which are typically found underground, can be challenging to find before serious damage is done. Drywood termite swarms frequently leave behind mounds of wings that resemble fish scales. The base of your house is being scaled by mud tubes. flying termite swarms on your property in any location 

What causes the termites to molt their wings? 

after a swarm, termite wings were left behind. As mature termites leave the nest to start new colonies, termite swarms can occur inside or outside of a house. Swarmers quickly shed their wings and take to the air. Spider webs and areas near the home’s foundation, like window sills, often have small clusters of wings. As mature termites leave the nest to start new colonies, termite swarms can occur inside or outside of a house. Swarmers quickly shed their wings and take to the air. 

A termite swarm occurs when?

 A swarm of Formosan termites typically occurs twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, in established colonies. Species and weather have an impact on when the swarms occur. Swarms may go unnoticed by homeowners on the exterior of their homes because they typically happen for a brief period in the morning or afternoon when many people aren’t home but also don’t know what to look for, pest removal services Hobart pest professionals are essential for identifying potential infestations. Call (219) 600-4910 to schedule your appointment today!

 being aware of termites in dry wood Typically, warm, southern climates are where one can find dry-wood termites. Within the wood they eat, they build their colonies. Termites tunnel through furniture and walls to create labyrinths of chambers and tunnels as they eat wood. Where the pests have eaten or nested, they leave behind tiny pellet-like piles of feces. Drywood termites can also leave behind areas that appear to have water damage and cause sagging floors, walls, and ceilings. Small piles of debris are left behind by swarming, sheded wings, and winged dry wood termites in an infested home. There are fish-like scales on these wings. signs of a termite infestation underground Termites that live underground are widespread across North America. These pests can move above ground in order to reach food sources and establish their underground colonies. They gain access to homes via foundations that are weakened or improperly sealed, as well as via tunnels made of mud, their own excrement, and saliva. These dry, brown, cylindrical tunnels have a cylindrical shape. There is no doubt that you have a subterranean termite infestation if you see these tunnels close to the foundation of your house. Underground termites produce winged swarmers, which are signs of a termite colony that is active, just like dry wood termites do. 

Your home should be inspected by a qualified professional because termite activity may not be noticed until it has been present for weeks or even years. The absence of swarms of these flying insects does not guarantee the safety of your home. There are a few other signs that point to a problem in addition to the buildup of termites flying around your windows or foundation, which is unmistakably indicative of an active infestation. How are termites treated? keep reading to find out.