How Big Are Termites?
Termites typically range from about 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) to about 1/2 inch (13 mm) long in size. They have light-colored bodies made up of oval-shaped body segments ith antennae extending outward from the head somewhat similar to ants and other insects.
How Big Are Termites Compared to Other Insects?
Termites vary in size, but their size is comparable to other insects that nest like ants. The ones usually found in North America and Europe are approximately the size of ants with smaller termite species being about the size of the smaller “grease” ants.
Larger termite species are close to the size of “carpenter” ants which also like to nest in houses. Termites, like other social insects, have different types, or castes, in each nest.
The most common termites are workers which are tiny insects that are usually no more than 1/8 inch in size. Soldier termites defend the nest and are larger than workers. They have large jaws and usually have a head that is darker than their body.
Like the other social insects such as ants and bees, termites have a queen that may be over an inch in size, and many termite nests will have fertile males (the “king”) which are nearly as long. The queen and king termites live deep in the nest so it’s not likely you’ll see them.
Are Termites Visible to the Human Eye?
Yes, termites are visible to the human eye and you can usually distinguish them apart from other pests, although some look a lot like maggots (fly larvae) until you notice them moving.
What Does A Termite Look Like?
Termites are often called “white ants,” but that’s not accurate. Termites are not ants and aren’t even closely related to ants, bees, and other social insects. They’re more closely related to cockroaches instead.
Like all insects, they have a head, a thorax in the middle, and an abdomen at the end. The thorax of a termite is broad but somewhat short compared to the rest of the body.
The thorax of an ant, in contrast is much narrower and comparatively long. An ant may have segments in its thorax as well; the thorax of the termite is straight. Termites have soft bodies and may lack the harder surface of an ant.
Many termites, though not all, are also translucent and pale.
Do termites have wings?
Just like only certain kinds of ants have wings, only certain species of termites have wings. Both have two pairs of wings.
However, if you find a termite with wings they’ll be identically sized. That’s different from the wings of an ant which have a larger pair in front and a smaller pair in the rear.
How Can You Tell If You Have Termites?
Termites are small insects that have evolved to prefer the dark security of their nest. You may never see one, in fact!
You’re more likely to see their signs:
- Look for small holes in your wood, or places where the paint has peeled up or bubbled. These are places where termites can access their nest, or where their tunnels have struck the surface.
- Wood with more extensive termite damage will be almost sponge-like in appearance as it’s riddled with termite tunnels.
- A pile of sawdust is a good clue that you have damaged wood and a termite infestation.
- Some termites are subterranean, meaning they live in nests underground, and tunnel to their food source. These termites will build mud tubes up the side of a foundation to reach a wooden house.
- Flying termites shed their wings after finding a new place to set up a nest and you may find these near your house.
- A pile of sticks or wood near your house may also attract termites and you can look for the signs of termites in any wood found within twenty or thirty feet of your house (in addition to the house itself).
What Attracts Termites to a House?
Subterranean termites like moist soil to build tunnels. If you keep the soil around your house as dry as possible and make sure the roof downspouts and drains are working correctly they’ll likely find the house less attractive.
Termites prefer moist, dark areas for building nests. Crawl spaces should be kept as dry as possible.
Should I Worry if I See a Termite?
Termites don’t live alone, so if you see one termite there are almost certainly more and you should definitely be concerned. If you see signs of an infestation it’s a good idea to consult with your local extension office or with a good pest control company as soon as possible.
They know what to look for already and can give you an answer with confidence.