Wood destroyers
Termites: identification, signs & control
What do termites look like compared to flying ants?
Termite swarmers have straight, thick waists, straight antennae and two pairs of wings that are equal in length and about twice as long as the body. Flying ants have pinched waists, elbowed antennae and front wings longer than their back wings. Termite swarmers also shed their wings quickly. If you find a swarm indoors, call for a free termite consultation.
How do you identify termites?
- Workers: creamy white, soft-bodied, about 1/8 inch, rarely seen
- Swarmers: dark brown to black, straight waist, four equal-length wings
- Piles of shed, identical wings near windows and doors
What are the signs of termites?
- Pencil-width mud tubes on foundations, piers and slab edges
- Wood that sounds hollow or crumbles
- Bubbling paint or sagging floors
- Swarms or discarded wings in spring
Are termites dangerous?
- Structural damage hidden inside walls and floors
- Damage usually isn't covered by homeowners insurance
- Can go unnoticed for years
How can you prevent termites?
- Keep mulch and soil from touching siding
- Fix leaks, gutters and grading that keep the foundation wet
- Store firewood away from the house and off the ground
- Get a professional inspection, especially before buying a home
How does Rehoboth treat termites?
Free termite consultation, active-infestation or preventative treatment, a protection system aimed at visible and hidden termites, and an annual re-inspection.
See Termite Inspection & Treatment
More questions
Can termites go through concrete?
Not through solid concrete, but they travel through cracks, expansion joints and gaps around pipes as thin as a business card, and build mud tubes over foundations.
Get rid of termites
Tell us what you're seeing. We'll inspect, explain what we find and recommend the lightest plan that will actually work.