How to Tell If They are Termites

Look at the insect's body. Soldier and worker termites are approximately 1/8-inch long, have no wings and a white or grayish body. Soldier termites have yellowish-brown rectangular heads with strong jaws, while workers have round heads. Termites capable of reproducing are approximately ½-inch long, may or may not have wings and have a body that can range in color between yellowish-brown and black.

If the insects have wings, examine them. It can be easy to confuse termites with flying ants. Winged ants have larger wings in the fronts of their bodies than in the backs. The front and back wings of termites, however, are equal in size.

Take note of the season. Termite swarms are more likely in the spring when warm temperatures and rainfall prompt termites to emerge from their tunnels and fly away to begin new colonies.

Look at the corners of your windows. The wings of swarming termites may become caught in cobwebs or accumulate on window sills.

Check for tell-tale signs of a termite infestation. Look for long, skinny tubes constructed from mud on sill plates, interior or exterior foundation walls, beams and joists or exterior walls. Termites use these tubes to enter your home.