Termites: Signs, Identification, and Types
Termites are wood-destroying insects that feed on cellulose, a material found in wood and other plant-based products. Because termites often feed inside wood or behind walls, an infestation may not be obvious at first.
California homeowners may encounter subterranean, drywood, or dampwood termites. Each group has different habits and signs of activity. If you find possible termite evidence, an inspection can help identify the pest and determine what steps may be appropriate.
Found possible signs of termites?
How to recognize termites
Termites look different depending on their role in the colony. Workers are usually pale and soft-bodied. Soldiers have features suited to defending the colony. Reproductive termites, also called swarmers, have wings and leave the colony to establish new ones.
Swarmers are sometimes mistaken for flying ants. Termites generally have a broad waist, straight antennae, and four wings of similar length. Ants have a pinched waist, elbowed antennae, and front wings longer than their hind wings. These are useful clues, but a photo or single feature may not be enough to confirm the insect.
Signs of termite activity
- Mud or shelter tubes on foundations, walls, or other surfaces. Subterranean termites use these tubes to travel between soil and food.
- Small piles of hard pellets near wood. Drywood termite droppings can collect below infested areas.
- Discarded wings near windows, doors, or other light sources after a swarm.
- - Damaged or hollow-sounding wood. Termite damage can be hidden inside the wood, so visible damage may not show the full extent.
These signs can have other causes, too. An inspection can help confirm whether termites are present and assess the affected areas. UC IPM describes mud tubes as a common sign of subterranean termites and pellets as one clue to drywood termite activity.
Common types of termites in California
Subterranean termites nest in the soil and can reach wood through shelter tubes. They are common in California. Learn about subterranean termites.
Drywood termites live and feed in the wood they infest, so they do not need soil contact. Their pellet-like droppings can be a clue to activity. Learn about drywood termites.
Dampwood termites are associated with wood that has high moisture content. Moisture problems and decaying wood are worth addressing, whether or not termites are found. Learn about dampwood termites.
For a California-focused comparison, see Common Termites in California.
When should you schedule a termite inspection?
Killroy Pest Control provides termite inspection services in the Bay Area. Learn about termite inspections and contact Killroy.
Not sure what you’re seeing?
Consider requesting an inspection if you find swarmers indoors, mud tubes, termite-like pellets, or wood damage you can’t explain. Avoid relying on a treatment method based only on a visual guess: different termite types may require different approaches.
Frequently asked questions
Termites feed on cellulose, which is found in wood and other plant-based materials.
Wing length can help distinguish termite swarmers from flying ants, but it is only one clue. Antennae, body shape, and other evidence nearby may also help.
Several termite groups occur in California, but their distribution varies by species and region. An inspection can help identify the type involved.