Termites are silent destroyers, wreaking havoc on homes in Central Florida. Recognizing these destructive pests is the first step to effective termite control. From their appearance to common signs of infestation, understanding what termites look like can help homeowners take proactive measures to protect their properties.
What Do Termites Look Like?
Termites are often mistaken for ants due their similar size and behavior, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart:
- Body shape: Termites have straight, broad waist and uniform body segments. They lack a distinct narrowing between the thorax and abdomen, unlike ants.
- Antennae: Termite antennae are straight and bead-like, without the bent or elbowed appearance seen in ants.
- Wings: During the springtime, swarmers might be out and about looking for mates and a new place to settle down and create a new colony. These wings appear equal in size and will be shed after swarming.
Signs of Termites
There are several signs that may indicate the presence of termites in your Florida home:
- Mud Tubes: These pencil-sized tubes typically indicate an active termite colony. They act as a protective barrier for subterranean termites to safely travel from their colony to the food source – your home.
- Wood Damage: Termites feed on wood from the inside out. Look for buckling floors, swollen ceilings, or hollow-sounding timbers.
- Frass: Drywood termites will push out their fecal pellets, known as frass. Accumulations of tiny, hexagonal pellets may indicate a nearby termite colony.
Accurately identifying what termites look like can help you protect your home before it’s too late. If you discover termites in your home, give a termite control company near you a call for a free inspection!
