Flying termites are called swarmers. They’re responsible for reproduction within the colony. Although they have wings, they are not strong fliers, only flying well enough to get around and find mates or food sources for new colonies. Homeowners may notice swarms of flying termites around their colonies at around the same time every year, although mating season varies depending on the species and the weather.

Winged termites are also another term for swarmers. They’re often mistaken for flying ants, but there are a few discernible differences. Ants have elbowed antennae and pinched waists, which makes it easier to see their body segments, but it can be hard to tell the difference since they’re so small. Homeowners who aren’t sure if they have winged termites or flying ants should always defer to the expertise of a licensed professional.

Most termites found in North America are subterranean termites. The most destructive of them is the Formosan termite, an invasive species that is attracted by wet soil and damp wood. Formosan termites reproduce quickly and consume more cellulose than native species.

Formosan and all subterranean termites live in underground colonies. These termite colonies can also be found in damp, moist hidden areas above ground that mimic subterranean living conditions. In termite colonies, there can be as many as two million termites! Subterranean termites build tunnels call mud tubs. Subterranean termites utilize these mud tubes for various reason.

The best way to get rid of subterranean termites is to monitor and control their access to accumulated water near your home. Fix all leaky plumbing in and around your home. Install proper ventilation in basements and crawl spaces. Also limit their access to exposed wood in and around your home. Installing a dehumidifier can also be effective in reducing moisture that can attract subterranean termites.

Unlike most termites, drywood termites don’t come from the soil. They live inside the wood where they are feeding and living. Unlike other termites, drywood termites do not need direct access to moist soil or a water source in order to thrive. The wood that drywood termites eat are able to provide the water they need to survive. Drywood termites live in colonies that can sustain thousands of termites. Drywood termites are common in attics, roof rafters, wood posts, fascia boards, and other exposed wooden structures.

Since these termites don’t live in the soil, there won’t be any mud around where they live. Instead, homeowners will find piles of frass (termite fecal matter), or waste, around the outlets to their galleries. The color of the frass varies depending on what type of wood they are eating.

The best way to get rid of drywood termites is to make sure firewood, woodchips, mulch, branches and wood scrapes are located away from your home or building. It is suggested that 20 feet away from the exterior will be sufficient in keeping drywood termites at bay.

If homeowners notice mud tubes on their foundations or in other areas of their home, chances are they have dampwood termites. These termites need to maintain high moisture levels to avoid desiccation and only eat wet wood. Like subterranean termites, they live in the soil and only enter structures to feed. Dampwood termites live in moist wet areas and damp wood structures such as fences, wooden posts, trees, wood siding near to the ground, rotten eaves, sheds and other rotten wood. Dampwood termites are the largest out of all the termites typically seen. Dampwood termites can range in size from 1/3 inch to more than over ½ inch in size. Dampwood termites are also called rottenwood termites as they enjoy consuming rotted or rotting wood.

To get rid of dampwood rottenwood termites, you need to do your best to eliminate sources of excess moisture. Repairing broken plumbing will go a long way in getting rid of dampwood termites. Repair leaking faucets, pipes and AC and refrigeration units. Reduce humidity in crawlspaces and basements. Keeping firewood or excess wood scraps away from the home and any desired building structures will help to prevent dampwood termites from attacking your home.

Termite droppings, referred to by exterminators as frass, resemble sawdust. Besides waste, shed wing pieces and ejected pellets from dry wood can also make up frass. They can be found in piles outside the access holes to termite galleries.

Subterranean termites create mud tubes to create easy access to the house for feeding. These foraging tubes protect them from predators and the light while they are moving between their homes in the soil and their sources of food. Mud tubes are structures of dried dirt and are about the size and thickness of your common pencil or beverage straw. It’s common to find them on foundation walls, in the corners of joists, and on header boards.

Termite galleries are the holes the insects bore into the wood as they feed. Drywall termites also live inside these galleries. Subterranean termites bring mud along with them to galleries to ensure proper moisture levels while they’re feeding, then retreat to the soil when they are done. Homeowners who notice termite galleries should call a professional immediately, as they indicate that the pests have already caused substantial damage.