What Do Termites Look Like?

Think you might have termites? At first glance, these destructive insects can be easily confused with ants. However, if you get a closer look at them, you will see that they have a unique appearance. It does get complicated, because termites change how they look at different life stages. So, you need to be able to identify all of them if you want to be able to recognize termites in your home.

Like other insects, termites start out as eggs. Their eggs are little round balls, which means they are indistinguishable from many other types of insect eggs. After they hatch, they turn into small, pale, white larvae. Again, these larvae can be difficult to distinguish from other types of insect larvae. From larvae, termites turn into nymphs. Termite nymphs are pale white with straight antennae. From there, termites may molt several times, transitioning into the different types of termites you find in a termite colony.

There are three types of adult termites in a general termite colony. They include workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites. They all serve different roles in the hive. They transition into these specific types during the molting phase.

Ants vs termites

Ants and termites can look very similar from a difference. However, there are significant differences between the two types of bugs. First ants have a defined thorax, while termites have a blockier looking middle section of their body. If they have wings, ant wings are different sizes, with the front wings being larger than the back wings. In contrast, termites have four wings of equal sizes. Ants are generally darker than termites, though color should not be your only guide. Termites can range from white or almost-translucent in appearance to a yellow-brown. In contrast, ants rarely look so pale or translucent, but they do come in a variety of colors, as well. Finally, size is not much of a determinant. Ants come in a range of sizes from teensy to very large. Likewise, termites range in size. However, if the insect is very big, it is probably an ant and not a termite.

You are most likely to see worker termites. These termites are pale in color and can even be white. They have round heads and bodies. They have straight antennae. Their heads and bodies are proportional. Worker termites do not have wings. Soldier termites are darker. They are disproportionate and are much larger than worker termites. They also have large mandibles. Finally, reproductive termites, also known as Swarmers, are darker than the other two types of termites. They also have two pairs of wings.

Eliminating Termites Year Round

Getting rid of termites permanently and protecting your home requires the assistance of a professional. It’s imperative to have an annual timber pest inspection and regular treatments to protect your home. Our Home Protection plans cover timber pest inspections and termite warranty inspections to keep you and your home protected. Give Flick a call at 1300 270 019!