Is it a termite?
Termites are small, social insects that live in colonies and are commonly encountered in wooden structures and soil.
whichbug identifies insects from what you can see. It does not identify bites and has no health information.
What to look for
| Size | 2 to 15 mm |
|---|---|
| Colour | Creamy white to dark brown, often pale in workers and darker in reproductives |
| Shape | Soft-bodied, cylindrical, with a broad waist connecting the thorax and abdomen |
| Wings | Two pairs of equal-sized, transparent wings with prominent veins; wings are shed after swarming |
| Antennae | Straight, bead-like antennae with distinct segments |
| Movement | Slow, deliberate crawlers; swarmers fly in straight lines during nuptial flights |
Where you'll find them
Inside wooden beams and floor joistsIn mud tubes on foundation wallsWithin hollow doors and window framesIn soil beneath concrete slabsstructural pest
They consume cellulose in wood, paper, and other plant-based materials, causing significant structural damage over time.
Season: Spring to early summer, particularly after rain
Signs it's around
- Mud tubes on walls or foundations
- Hollow-sounding wood when tapped
- Discarded wings near windowsills or entry points
- Fine, pellet-like frass (droppings) from drywood species
Not sure? The lookalikes
| vs carpenter ant | Termites have a straight waist and uniform body width, while carpenter ants have a pinched waist and tapered abdomen |
| vs flying ant | Termite swarmers have equal-length wings and straight antennae, whereas flying ants have front wings longer than hind wings and elbowed antennae |
| vs powderpost beetle | Powderpost beetles have a hard, oval body and short antennae, while termites have soft, elongated bodies with long, bead-like antennae |