What Does a Termite Look Like

Some people know a termite’s appearance by appearances. Others know by its smell, its diet, its behaviors, or some other characteristic.

Look

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There are over 2,000 different species of termites with over 40 species in the United States alone. Although they have distinct characteristics, most look similar. They typically measure between 1/4 and 1/2 of an inch long and have soft bodies with straight antennae. The queens and kings are larger, capable of reaching over one inch long. Colors range from white to light brown where worker termites often appear lighter, while swarming termites darker. Flying termites, also called reproductives, have two pairs of prominent wings.Other termites that cause structural damage include the drywood termites (Kalotermitidae) and the damp-wood termites (Termopsidae). Drywood termites enter at the roofline, while damp-wood termites prefer basements, bathrooms, and other locations where water leaks are likely to occur. If you suspect you have a termite problem, your first step is to confirm that the pests are, indeed, termites. So what do termites look like?

You can distinguish reproductive termites from reproductive ants, which also have wings, by looking at their bodies. Termite alates have the characteristic straight antennae, rounded abdomens, and thick waists, while ants, in contrast, have markedly elbowed antennae, pronounced waistlines, and slightly pointed abdomens. The termite queen looks quite different from the workers or soldiers. In fact, with her expansive stomach full of eggs, she barely resembles an insect at all. Termite queens have a physogastric stomach. This internal membrane expands as she ages and her egg-laying capacity increases. Depending on the species of termite, the queen may lay hundreds or sometimes thousands of eggs per day. Termite queens live extraordinarily long lives. A lifespan of 15 to 30 years—or more—is not uncommon. (Source: www.thoughtco.com)