Termites are small, pale to brownish black in color, insects closely related to cockroaches. These insects feed on wood. Termites have survived in North America for more than 20 million years.

There are over 50 different species of termites in North America. Most species fall into three distinct ecological groups – dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites.

ü      Dampwood termites – the largest North American species (over ½” in length) – are commonly found in fallen logs in forests.

ü      Subterranean termites – typically measuring about ¼” in length – are the most common type. They form large nests in the ground and attack wood through shelter tubes (or mudtubes). These termites construct shelter tubes using soil, bits of chewed wood, and excrement (called pellets).

ü      Drywood termites – about ½” in size - do not require soil contact for attacking wood.

Carpenter ants have bodies shaped like an hourglass, i.e., their abdominal regions are narrower than the rear and front parts of the body.  On the contrary, termites are more tubular in shape throughout the body.  Both pairs of “swarmer” wings are equal in size, whereas carpenter ants have unequally sized, less ‘veiny’ (as compared to ‘swarmers’) wings.  Further, ant wings have a dark spot (stigma) on the leading edge of the front wing, which is lacking in termite wings. Termite antennae are straighter than carpenter ant antennae. Ants do not feed on the wood they burrow through.

Termites are social insects with a caste system. Each termite in the colony is designated to perform certain tasks such as reproduction, defense and work (such as building nests, fetching food, taking care of eggs and young termites). Thus, the king, queen, soldiers and workers in a colony appear differently.

In general, the reproductive termites (a.k.a. “swarmers”) have a pair of even-sized wings. It is easy to mistake them for flying ants. The workers resemble swarmers except that they are a little smaller in size and do not have wings. Soldiers have oversized heads with large mandibles.

Yes, termites have been found in extremely cold places like Alaska. Cold temperature does not exterminate termites. They hibernate during winters. 

Termites feed on cellulose – the compound wood is made of.

Chemicals are most commonly used for termite extermination. The goal of any chemical treatment is to create a termiticide barrier between the termite colony and the wood. Vicane gas is commonly used as a fumigant.

Yes. Termite infestations can rarely be detected visually since termites avoid open air and light. They stay either underground or within wood.

Common conditions that are conducive to termite infestation include – earth to wood contact at support posts; cellulose debris and form boards left in the crawlspace; improper drainage away from the structure; and inadequate ventilation in the crawlspace. Correction of these conditions will greatly reduce the likelihood of an infestation.