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Termite Identification
Do I have termites?
What do termites damage?
How do I get rid of termites?
How can I prevent termites?
- How often should I get my home inspected for termites in Long Island?
- How can I prevent termites naturally?
- How do you prevent termites when building a new home in Long Island?
- What are the costs of termite prevention in Long Island?
- Lawn & garden termite prevention
- How do you prevent termites from spreading in Long Island?
Termites are often mistaken for ants because they’re approximately the same size and shape. Worker termites are usually off-white, whereas swarming termites are darker brown. They can reach ¼” to ½” long. King and queen termites (yes, termite colonies have kings as well as queens) are approximately 1” long. Some termites also have wings.
On Long Island, we deal with Eastern subterranean termites and, occasionally, formosan termites. Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive termite nationwide.
Signs of a termite infestation include termite mud tubes, termite excretions (frass), wings that have been shed, and damage to wood surfaces like tiny holes. Keep in mind, however, it can be difficult to find wood damage in the early stages of an infestation.
Subterranean termites don’t like weather that’s too hot or too cold. That’s why they’re most active in late March through early June.
Termites begin as an egg laid by the queen, hatch into larvae, and grow into nymphs. They molt several times before they’re eventually assigned to a caste (or job) within the colony. The majority become workers or soldiers, with some becoming reproductives aka swarmers.
Termites are one of the most common pests you can find. They live in every state but Alaska. They prefer warm, humid climates like we experience on Long Island during the spring.
There are two main ways termites spread. Reproductives will fly to a new area, shed their wings and mate, creating a new colony. Or workers can discover a new source of food (usually wood) and summon additional termites to construct mud tunnels.
