Insect identifier · Often confused insects
How to identify a Subterranean termite
Reticulitermes spp.
· Also called termite, white ant, swarming termite
People search “subterranean termite” because it looks like something that bites. Subterranean termite (Reticulitermes spp.) does not bite or sting people. Also called termite, white ant, swarming termite.
A spring swarm of equal-winged insects is termites, not fire ants.
What does a subterranean termite look like?
Subterranean termite is Workers tiny and pale; swarmers about 8 mm with equal wings. Colors: white, tan, brown, black. Marks: Equal-length wings on swarmers; Straight antennae; Pinched waist absent; Pale workers.
Subterranean termite is Workers tiny and pale; swarmers about 8 mm with equal wings. Colors: white, tan, brown, black. Marks: Equal-length wings on swarmers; Straight antennae; Pinched waist absent; Pale workers.
Identification marks
- Equal-length wings on swarmers
- Straight antennae
- Pinched waist absent
- Pale workers
Size: Workers tiny and pale; swarmers about 8 mm with equal wings
Colors: white, tan, brown, black
Where: both
Subterranean termite vs Pharaoh ant
Equal wings and straight antennae = termite swarm. Elbowed antennae and a waist = ant. Carpenter bees drill round holes and are fuzzy or shiny, not pale.
- Pharaoh ant identification (Monomorium pharaonis)
- Pavement ant identification (Tetramorium immigrans)
- Eastern carpenter bee identification (Xylocopa virginica)
Range and season
Active spring swarms. Places: house, wood. They eat wood. They do not bite people. Swarmers are confused with ants.
Foundations, mud tubes, and spring windowsills.
They eat wood. They do not bite people. Swarmers are confused with ants.
Spring swarms
Common questions
Do termites bite people?
No.
Termite vs ant?
Termite swarmers have equal wings and straight antennae. Ants have elbowed antennae and a pinched waist.