Termites are silent destroyers that can cause extensive structural damage before you even notice them. Early detection is essential to prevent costly repairs and ensure the safety of your home or business. Identifying termite infestations promptly can help mitigate risks and protect your property investment.

Aruza Pest Control services areas with common termite species, including subterranean and drywood termites. Understanding their behaviors and the signs they leave behind is crucial in recognizing an infestation before it becomes severe.

What do termites look like?

Adult Termites
Adult termites vary in size and color depending on their species and caste. Worker termites are small (1/8 to 1/4 inch long), pale, and soft-bodied, while soldier termites have large mandibles and darker heads. Reproductive termites (alates) are larger, typically dark brown or black, and have two pairs of equal-length wings.
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Termite Larvae
Termite larvae are tiny, white, and resemble maggots. They develop into workers, soldiers, or reproductive termites depending on the colony’s needs. Homeowners might confuse larvae with fly or beetle larvae, making identification crucial.

Winged Termites (Alates)
Alates swarm during warm seasons, often after rain, to establish new colonies. They are mistaken for flying ants but can be differentiated by their straight antennae, uniform wings, and thick waists. Seeing swarms or discarded wings near windows and doors is a sign of an infestation.

Termites vs. Ants
To differentiate termites from ants, note that termites have straight antennae, broad waists, and wings of equal length, whereas ants have elbowed antennae, segmented bodies, and longer front wings compared to hind wings.

How Big Are Termites?
Termite size depends on species and cast:
- Workers: 1/8 to 1/4 inch
- Soldiers: Slightly larger than workers
- Alates (Swarmer’s): 1/4 to 1/2 inch