Pest Library
Termites
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage across the U.S. every year, and most homeowners' insurance doesn't cover it. The termite in our area is the eastern subterranean termite.
On this page: Eastern subterranean termite · Termite swarmer
Need help now? See our termite control service.
Swarmers vs. flying ants, mud tubes, and protection
In spring, often on a warm day after rain, mature colonies send out winged swarmers to start new colonies. Seeing swarmers inside, or a pile of shed wings on a windowsill, is a strong sign of an active colony nearby.
Termite swarmers have a straight, thick waist, straight antennae, and two pairs of wings that are the same length. Flying ants have a pinched waist, bent (elbowed) antennae, and front wings longer than the back wings.
Subterranean termites live in the soil and need moisture, so they build pencil-width mud tubes up foundation walls to reach the wood in your home. Protection means a professional inspection, a treatment or bait system around the house, and keeping moisture and wood-to-soil contact down.
Eastern subterranean termite
Quick ID
- Workers are about 1/8 inch, cream-colored and soft-bodied
- Soldiers have larger, yellowish-brown heads with jaws
- Look-alike: ants, but termite workers are pale with no pinched waist
Signs of a problem
- Mud tubes on foundation walls, piers or in the crawlspace
- Wood that sounds hollow or has a layered, honeycomb look inside
- Bubbling paint or soft spots in baseboards and floors
How Pestworx handles it
We do a thorough inspection and use proven liquid treatment or baiting systems around the home, with ongoing monitoring.
Prevention tips
- Fix leaks and keep gutters and downspouts flowing away from the house
- Keep mulch, soil and wood from touching the siding
- Get a termite inspection if you're buying a home or see signs
Termite swarmer
Quick ID
- About 3/8 inch including wings
- Dark brown to black body
- Two pairs of equal-length wings that break off easily
Signs of a problem
- Swarms near windows, doors or light fixtures in spring
- Piles of shed wings on sills and floors
- Swarmers coming out of baseboards, door frames or slab cracks
How Pestworx handles it
Swarmers inside mean there's likely a colony feeding nearby. We inspect to find where they're coming from and treat the colony, not just the swarmers.
Prevention tips
- Save a few swarmers or wings in a bag for us to identify
- Don't spray the area before we inspect
- Call us for a free inspection
Seeing termites? Get a free inspection
Call (888) 511-9460 or request a quote online and we will find out what you are dealing with. New customers get $50 off their first service with a 12-month plan.
We serve homes and businesses in Camden, Burlington, Mercer and Gloucester counties in New Jersey, and Bucks and Montgomery counties in Pennsylvania.
New customer offer
Your first service, $50 off
$50 off your initial service for new customers who sign up for a 12-month service plan.
New residential and commercial customers only. Requires a 12-month service agreement. Can't be combined with other offers. Mention this offer when you call or request a quote.More from the Pest Library
