How Can Termites Look Like Ants?
WouterTermites look very similar to ants, but they are actually very different. Depending on the species, they may have different body shapes and colors. It’s important to understand the differences between termites and ants to keep your home and property free of these pests.
Termites are tiny insects. They are generally about 1/8 to a quarter inch in size. They can be found in most states in the United States except Alaska. They eat wood and other plant material. They can be hard to spot because of their small size. However, they can leave behind small black droppings or frass. These can indicate the presence of a colony.
Unlike other insects, termites are primarily interested in consuming wood. They are attracted to moist decaying wood. They begin by chewing holes in the wood. They can also eat leafy vegetation. They will eventually move on to sound wood. Some of the more common types of termites are pharaoh ants, thief ants, and carpenter ants.
Termites are extremely vulnerable to predators, and their wings can be extremely fragile. This is why it’s possible to see discarded termite wings near the nest opening.
The majority of termite colonies consist of workers. These are both male and female. Their bodies are soft and pale. They lack eyes. Termites have proportional, rectangular wings. Their back wings are larger than their front wings. Their antennae are straight and are adorned with small beads.
In some species, the reproductive termites have a similar shape to their ant counterparts. The reproductives will be dark brown or amber, and their wings are gray.
