480-520-9886

What Does a Termite Look Like?

Termites are elusive pests that many people mistake for flying ants. Since there are so many different species and types that look different, it can be challenging to differentiate between termites and other insects. The main characteristics of a termite include:

  • Bodies ranging from ¼ – ½” in size
  • Six legs and straight antennae
  • Coloration ranging from off-white to dark brown
  • Segmented bodies with a head, thorax, and abdomen
  • Swarmers (also called reproductives or alates) have wings


If you’re ever worried that you have termites, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed professional. They can help you tell termites apart from ants and guide you through the right steps in treating an infestation.

Request a termite inspection
Closeup of a termite with a white background - termite control with SOS Exterminating serving Phoenix Metro & Northern Arizona

What Are Termite Castes?

Each individual termite plays a role in their colony, but not all are exactly the same. The termite’s role – and appearance – is determined by their “caste”. Inside of a colony, there are three main termite castes:

  • Workers: The majority of termites in a colony are workers. They have an off-white or cream-colored appearance, and they spend most of their time either feeding the queen or excavating tunnels for the nest. 
  • Soldiers: Many people confuse this caste with ants. They have dark bodies with large heads and strong mandibles. Soldiers mainly protect the colony from intruders and repair any damage to the nest. 
  • Alates or swarmers: These are reproductive termites that leave in the springtime to establish their own colony. They come in a variety of colors, but all have wings that they shed after reproducing.

Types of Termites in Arizona

In addition to the castes, there are also a few different termite species, which can impact the appearance of the insect. Knowing the common species in your area can help you better identify these pests should you come across them. Here in Arizona, we have three main types of termites:

  • Subterranean termites: These are usually off-white to dark brown in color. As their name suggests, they primarily infest wood that is close to soil, often building mud tubes to travel from place to place. 
  • Drywood termites: Often yellow-brown in color, these termites often have wings that are transparent or gray in color. This species mainly targets dry and solid wood, unlike other species that prefer wet or rotting timber.
  • Dampwood termites: These are much larger than the other species and have a reddish tint. True to their name, they prefer damp and soft wood that is easier for them to chew and tunnel through.

How to Identify Termites Near Your Home

Termites are notoriously difficult to spot. They rarely leave their wooden nests, and swarmers look very similar to large ants. For that reason, the best way to identify an infestation is to keep an eye out for signs of damage and to work with professional termite exterminators. Licensed experts will perform thorough inspections that not only look for active infestations but also for anything that could attract termites to your property. They’ll create a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your needs.

Back to Termite Identification
Proudly Serving the following Arizona Communities Since 1937:
Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Sun City West, Sun City, Youngtown, El Mirage, Fountain Hills, Avondale, Surprise, Tempe, Tolleson, Cashion, Surprise, Luke Air Force Base, Mesa, Waddell, Litchfield Park, Laveen, Goodyear, Cave Creek, Carefree, Chandler, New River, Mesa, Rio Verde, Buckeye, Higley, Wittmann, Midtown, South Phoenix, Cartwright, Maryvale, Fowler, Alhambra, Camelback, Sunnyslope, Apache Junction, Maricopa County, Mount Lemmon, Vail, Cortaro, Sahurita, Catalina, Rillito, Green Valley, Oracle, Benson, Marana, Robson Communities: SaddleBrooke, Quail Creek, SaddleBrook Ranch, Robson Ranch, Sunbird, Sun Lakes & PebbleCreek, Prescott and Prescott Valley. Cottonwood, Jerome, Flagstaff, Camp Verde, Sedona, Gold Canyon, Queen Creek

© 2023 SOS Exterminating – Termite & Pest Management in Phoenix, Gilbert AZ ®. All Right Reserved.