Termite identification

Termites are very small and similar in size to ants, which often leads to confusion. In fact, knowing the key differences between these two pests is a good starting point for identification.

Owing to their secretive nature, termites can be hard to detect, especially with an untrained eye. You are far more likely to spot the signs of termite damage before you spot termites themselves.

As with any other pest, correct identification ensures the use of the most effective control methods and allows you to choose the most appropriate prevention steps to try and avoid problems in the future.

Do termites really look like ants? Termite swarmers can look like flying ants, and they are often confused.

The difference between these two pests will greatly impact the type of service needed to control them in your property.

Here’s how to establish the general differences in appearance and behavior between ants and termites:

Even armed with the above information, it may still be hard to make a correct identification using the naked eye. Bear in mind that termite swarmers are only about 6mm long – about the same size as a pencil eraser.

Identification is made even more difficult by the fact that termites often remain hidden away in properties for years without the owner’s knowledge. As already mentioned, the first indicator of a potential problem is usually visible evidence of termite damage.

Our termite species guide offers greater detail on what termites look like and how to recognize the common features between termite species.

All types of termites can cause damage to your home, but knowing a bit more about the different species of termites can help identify them more easily.

The location of your property as well as its component structure will both have an impact on the termite species, which you may be at risk of.

Once correct identification is made, the most effective solution plan can be offered to quickly bring the problem under control. Rentokil offers conventional termite treatment which uses liquid termiticide treatment and other methods include the use of monitoring and baiting systems.

At Rentokil, we confirm the invading termite species through a visual identification rather than just looking at the evidence of the damage to your building and its location.

However, some of the points below could be of help to you, when checking your building for signs of activity:

Subterranean termites begin their feeding process (damage) from the ground up and typically enter a building through the sub-structure. Homes with crawl spaces are at great risk. It is here you should look for evidence of damaged wood and mud tubes. Wood damaged by this particular species develops “galleries” (hollow tunnels), which run along the grain of the wood.

Drywood termites typically enter structures near the roof line or other exposed wood to begin building a colony. Inspect your attic for evidence of damaged wood. Look for tiny holes in the wood with evidence of frass collecting nearby. Probing the wood can also expose galleries as well.

Having experienced a termite infestation, most people will be eager to ensure they do not have the same problem in the future. Rentokil can give you simple steps you can take to “termite-proof” your home or business.

If you suspect you have termites, call us today on 334 0000 or contact us online.