Common Questions About Termites

What attracts termites? 

Termites swarm for 3 things

Termites look for damp, dark areas for shelter like under a house where there is ample food supply. They feed on wood particles in the dirt, and also any cellulose materials like wood, paper, and cardboard. Just like other animals and insects, termites are less active in the winter months and swarm in the spring. They can be seen in flights around homes and businesses. Termites are social and live in colonies similar to ants. 


Are termites dangerous?

Termites are one of the most dangerous types of pest infestations that homes can get. They will not sting, bite, contaminate your food supply, or spread disease like some other types of pests. But, termites are dangerous to the structure of your home. Because termites feed in hidden places like walls, floors, and daubery under the house, it can be difficult to recognize the presence of a colony until the damage is great.

What do termites look like?

Sometimes swarming ants can be mistaken for swarming termites, but one of the easiest ways to spot the difference is their wings. Termite wings are equal in length and straight, while ant wings are different sizes with the back wing significantly shorter than the front. Ant wings are also tented brown while termite wings are translucent. Another difference is their body shape. Termites do not have a pinched thorax which makes their bodies look like one straight piece, while ants' bodies have a distinct waste between their thorax and abdomen. A third difference is termites' antennae are straight while ants' antennae are elbowed.