Identifying Termites
What Are Termites?
Termites are the most destructive pests found in homes because they rely on wood as their food source. The termite colony is a well organized army in which every member has its role: The king's function is to reproduce, the Queen lays eggs, the soldiers defend the colony, the workers build the nest and forge for the colony's food, the swarmers leave the nest to establish new colonies.
All of the subterranean termites are generally creamy white in color, almost translucent, being the size of a grain of rice. The reproductives (swarmers), have a pair of even-sized wings and are many times mistaken for ants. The workers look similar the reproductives, only they are a little smaller and do not have wings. The soldiers are also similar except for their oversized heads and large mandibles with defense purpose.
Identifying Termites
Learn the difference between ants and termites
If you see winged ant-like insects around your property, you must know if they are ants or subterranean termites. If they are swarming termites, there is an established colony nearby looking for a new nesting area… and that means your home is in danger. Call us immediately, we will eliminate the colony and protect you from these home-damaging insects.
WingedAnt
WingedTermite
WorkerTermite
SoldierTermite
QueenTermite
Termite Habitat
Termite colonies are usually located in the ground, but secondary colonies have been observed in the wood of structures with moisture problems. Small, pencil-sized mud tubes can be seen emerging from the ground and making contact with the structure. Termite damage can be differentiated from rotting wood and carpenter ants by the large amount of mud or soil that is found in the wood. Often small mud dots, the size of a pencil tip, can be observed on painted surfaces. Further examination will show hollowed out galleries of mud and termites directly below the surface. It is almost impossible for homeowners to visually identify or locate an active termite infestation just by looking at the finished surface of a wall or the accompanying trim.
Termite control is a highly specialized field in the pest control industry, especially because of the many variables encountered by the termite specialist. Only an accredited wood destroying insect investigator as well as a certified applicator holding a Kansas license has the skills and hands on experience to help you with your termite problems. This specialized technician must have a strong background in building construction, termite behavior, termiticides (chemicals) and baiting systems. They need to be knowledgeable in all of these areas because a termite is going to do anything and everything it can to enter your structure. Do not be fooled, termites must be aggressively controlled since they are the number one pest resulting in economic damage to your home or office.
Tips for identifying termites in your home
Packed Dirt
Termites travel in tunnels made of mud. They will create a buildup of mud in between boards and in corners where they are less visible.
Swarming Termites
Termites will swarm in the spring and early summer. These swarms are generally in higher locations (a roof or ceiling). Termites will swarm to create new colonies in the area.
Mud Tunnels
Tunnels may be built across concrete or brick for the termites to access wood. These tunnels can be narrow and inconspicuous.
Preparing to Swarm
Termites prepare to swarm by building a tunnel for the winged termites to escape from. These tunnels are flat and can be freestanding.
Freestanding Tunnels
In unusual situations, termites can avoid the barrier of a chemical treatment and create a freestanding tunnel from the ground to your home, giving them access to your structure.
Swarming Tunnels
These tunnels are created to allow the larger termites to float from the colony to the ground where a king and a queen can meet up to create a new colony underground.
