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Dec 30, 2023 · Key differences include flying ants having bent feelers, a thin middle, and larger front wings, while termite swarmers exhibit straight feelers, a wider middle, and wings of equal size. These distinctions aid in identifying and differentiating between the two insect types.
- Carpenter Ants: A Closer Look. Damage: One of the bugs that look like termites is Carpenter Ant.Despite not eating wood as termites do, carpenter ants may significantly harm wooden structures.
- Powderpost Beetles: An Insight into the Pest Damage. One of the bugs that look like termites is Wood- boring. Wood-boring insects called powderpost beetles may seriously harm wooden objects like furniture and buildings.
- Carpenter Bees: Unveiling their Impact Damage. One of the bugs that look like termites is Carpenter bees.Carpenter bees are solitary bees that can cause damage to wooden structures, such as eaves, decks, fences, and siding.
- Acrobat Ants: Understanding the Intruder’s Damage. One of the bugs that look like termites is Acrobat ants. Acrobat ants, though not as destructive as termites, can still cause damage to homes and structures.
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How do you identify a termite?
Jan 28, 2023 · If you’re worried about the presence of termites in your home, keep reading to learn about some of the termite’s look-alikes (and see the difference between termites vs. ants ), and find...
- Overview
- Examining Physical Characteristics
- Observing Signs of an Infestation
- Dealing with an Infestation
Termites can cause major structural damage to homes and other buildings as well as wooden furniture. People usually only see termites inside when an infestation is already well established, though you may also find termites outside around dead tree stumps, rotting boards or other detritus. To identify a termite, examine a single bug carefully. Things like the wings and antennae can help you identify a bug as a termite. You should also look for signs of an infestation, like mud tubes and droppings. If you have a termite infestation, consult a professional for treatment.
There are 3 different types of termites.
Winged termites are dark brown or black and have 4 wings that are all the same size.
Worker termites are white or translucent. They have straight antennae.
Catch an insect if possible.
Termites look similar to ants and need to be inspected closely to differentiate. If possible, trap one of the bugs in question for examination and look at it under a magnifying glass or something similar. You can pick up a termite by gently clasping it between your thumb and forefinger.
Place the termite in something like a mason jar to examine it.
You can still examine a dead termite, but it may be easier to observe a live one. Pick up the bug carefully to avoid killing it.
Look at the wings and antennae.
Termites have distinctly different wings and antennae than ants. One way to tell you're dealing with a termite and not an ant is to carefully examine the bug's wings and antennae.
Look at changes in your home.
Termites can cause damage to your home. In the event of an infestation, you may notice signs of damage. Your wood may sound hollow when you tap or knock against it. You may also notice your floors and ceilings are sagging.
Crumbling wood and chipped paint can also indicate and infestation.
You can often hear an infestation before you see it. Soldier termites sometimes tap their heads inside your walls.
If you hear tapping noises in your home, this may be indicate a termite infestation.
Termite droppings are another sign your home is infested. Droppings look like tiny pellets and may show up near walls or other places termites congregate. If you notice pellets piling up in your home, this is a sign of an infestation.
Select a pest control company carefully.
A termite infestation can cause major damage to your home. It should be treated promptly by a professional. Select a reputable pest control company right away if you suspect you have termites.
Make sure any company you choose is licensed with the Department of Agriculture. A company that's a member of the National Pest Management Association is also a plus.
Contact 2 or 3 companies to get estimates. It can be costly to deal with termites, so make sure you seek out the best deal.
Termites can cause damage, but do so slowly. It's okay to take some time selecting a quality company. If a company uses scare tactics to pressure you into signing a contract quickly, this is probably not a good company.
A pest control company can help you install a termite monitoring system. These systems are made from a piece of wood with a plastic cap and cardboard. Check it every 6 months for signs of termite damage to tell you whether they're in the ground around your home.
It's important to look at several physical characteristics to differentiate termites from ants. Termites have two sets of wings that are equal in length and have straight antennae. Ants have a bent antenna and two sets of wings of different lengths, with the forewings being broader than the narrow, shorter hindwings.
- Terminix
It’s not always possible for an untrained eye to spot evidence of termites, but homeowners should keep a look-out for the certain signs of termites that can help them identify a termite infestation.
Oct 26, 2015 · Many homeowners recognize that there are several types of bugs that look like termites but aren't. Learn more about wood-dwelling insects so that you can decide how to best handle your pest problem.
