Termites are social insects that can pose a significant threat to homes and structures in Texas. Understanding their appearance is a primary step in distinguishing them from other insects and recognizing a potential infestation. This guide provides clear visual identification cues for various termite types found in the state.
General Termite Appearance
Termites have soft bodies and are small, often less than half an inch long. Their color can vary, ranging from creamy white to tan or even brown, depending on the species and their role within the colony. A distinct characteristic is their straight, beaded antennae. Unlike many insects, they possess a broad waist, with no noticeable constriction between their thorax and abdomen. Termite colonies contain different forms, known as castes, each with a specialized function and varied appearance, including workers, soldiers, and reproductives.
Appearance of Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are a prevalent and destructive type in Texas, known for building underground colonies. Their workers are small, around 1/8 to 3/8 inches long, with creamy white or pale, soft bodies and no eyes. These workers are the most numerous members and are often seen when infested wood or mud tubes are disturbed. Subterranean termite soldiers are slightly larger than workers and are identifiable by their enlarged, yellowish-brown heads and prominent, rectangular jaws. They defend the colony from threats, such as ants.
The reproductive caste, also known as swarmers or alates, are dark brown to black and measure about 1/8 to 3/8 inches long. These winged individuals have two pairs of equally sized wings, often extending beyond their body. Swarmers are primarily responsible for establishing new colonies, shedding their wings shortly after their mating flight. Finding these discarded wings, especially near windows or light sources, indicates an active infestation.
Appearance of Drywood Termites
Drywood termites are a significant species found in Texas, creating colonies directly within dry wood structures without soil contact. Their workers are similar in color to subterranean workers, creamy white or pale, but slightly larger, around 3/16 to 3/8 inches long. Drywood termite soldiers have large, reddish-brown heads and mandibles that often appear to have teeth on their inner edges. These soldiers measure about 3/8 to 1/2 inch long.
The reproductives, or swarmers, vary in body color from light yellowish-brown to dark brown, measuring around 1/2 inch long. Their wings are clear to smoky gray and possess a distinct vein pattern, which can aid in identification. They also have two pairs of equally sized wings, which they shed after their dispersal flight. They are often seen swarming in late summer or early fall.
Appearance of Formosan Termites
Formosan termites are recognized for their aggressive nature and large colony sizes in Texas. Their workers are white to off-white, similar to other termite workers, and are difficult to distinguish visually. Formosan termite soldiers are more distinctive, with an oval or “tear-drop” shaped, yellowish-brown head. When disturbed, they can excrete a white, sticky fluid from a gland on the front of their head. They are 1/8 to 1/4 inch long.
The winged reproductives, or swarmers, are yellowish-brown and measure about 1/2 to 0.6 inches in length. These swarmers have wings that appear hairier compared to other species. They are often larger than subterranean swarmers and are attracted to lights during their nocturnal swarming flights, which occur in late May and early June.
Distinguishing Termites from Ants
Termites are often confused with ants, especially during their winged, reproductive stages, but key physical differences aid accurate identification. One primary distinction is their waist: termites have a broad waist, giving their body a more rectangular or straight appearance, while ants possess a constricted, pinched waist. This pinched waist makes ants appear to have three distinct body segments, compared to the more uniform two segments of a termite.
Antennae also differ; termites have straight antennae that often appear beaded, while ants have bent or “elbowed” antennae. When comparing winged forms, termites have two pairs of equally sized wings. Ants, however, have two pairs where the front pair is noticeably larger and longer than the hind pair. Additionally, termite wings are often fragile and shed easily, a common sign of their presence.