Termites (white ants) resemble ants in name only. They are closer to cockroaches, living in huge colonies and feeding on the cellulose in wood, paper, cardboard and even some plastic and gypsum. The most dangerous thing about them is that they work silently and from the inside, so people may discover the damage after years.
In this guide we explain the types, introduce the signs and damage, and then link you to the practical plan articles: elimination, prevention and causes.
Quick Overview
Size and color: Small, 4 to 15 mm, creamy white to light brown.
Where they live: Colonies underground or inside wood and walls.
Are they harmful: Yes, they silently destroy wood, furniture and buildings.
The key sign: Mud tubes on walls and fallen wings near windows.
How Does a Termite Colony Live?
The colony is divided into castes, each with a clear role, and the number of individuals can reach hundreds of thousands in underground colonies.
- Workers: White and soft, they dig, eat and feed everyone, and they are responsible for the damage.
- Soldiers: Large heads and strong jaws that defend the colony.
- The queen and king: The queen lays thousands of eggs a year and lives for many years.
- Winged reproductives (swarmers): They emerge after rain or in warmth to found new colonies, and they are the first sign many people see.
The Types That Matter in the Home
The difference between subterranean and drywood termites decides the whole treatment:
- Subterranean termites: They nest in the soil and climb into the building through mud tubes. They are the most damaging and widespread.
- Drywood termites: They live inside the wood itself with no link to the soil, and leave small pellets known as wood droppings.
Their signs also differ from other wood pests such as the wood weevil, which leaves tiny holes and fine wood powder.
How Do You Recognize an Infestation?
See the article signs of termites for the details, and the most important are:
- Mud tubes: On walls, foundations and between the wood and the ground.
- Hollow wood: It gives a muffled sound when tapped and breaks easily.
- Fallen wings: Near windows and doors after rain.
- A rising floor or peeling paint: Indicates activity beneath the surface.
How Big Is the Damage?
Termites eat wood from the inside and leave a thin shell, so it looks sound until it collapses. For details see termite damage.
The Way to a Solution
Good treatment rests on three pillars that we cover in separate articles:
- Causes of termites: Moisture, wood in contact with soil, and leaks.
- Getting rid of termites: The chemical barrier and spot treatment.
- Termite prevention: Separating wood from the ground and regular monitoring.
Myth and Fact
Wrong information about termites is common and it delays treatment:
- "I built with concrete so I am safe": They pass through cracks as thin as a sheet of paper and feed on interior wood and wiring.
- "I see it, so I kill it": What you see is a small part of a colony underground.
- "It only shows up in old houses": New construction may be infested if it was not treated underneath.
- "Painted wood is protected": Paint does not stop termites from entering from below.
Before You Buy or Rent
- Ask for a termite inspection as part of the building inspection.
- Look for tubes, hollow wood and bubbling paint.
- Ask about the previous treatment record and how long the chemical barrier lasts.
- Inspect used wooden furniture before moving it into your home.
Who Should You Turn To?
A limited infestation can be started with products from the store, but large underground colonies need a specialist who applies the barrier with specialized equipment. In every case, correcting moisture and wood that touches the ground is the foundation of success.
Why Is It Hard to Detect?
Termites live out of sight: inside wood, under the soil, or inside thin mud tubes they build on walls. They may eat wood from the inside and leave a thin layer of the surface intact, so a door or frame looks sound until you knock on it and it sounds hollow. That is why an infestation is often found after the damage has advanced.
The Difference Between Termites and Winged Ants
If winged insects appear around lights after rain, do not assume they are ordinary ants. A winged termite has a straight body with no clear waist, straight antennae, and wings that are roughly equal in size, and it often leaves its fallen wings near windows. A winged ant has a narrow waist, bent antennae and wings of unequal size. This distinction tells you whether you are facing a structural problem or a passing visitor.
What Does a Professional Inspection Include?
- Inspecting foundations and exterior walls for mud tubes.
- Tapping on wood and listening for a hollow sound.
- Checking moisture points, leaks and around plumbing pipes.
- Using moisture meters and sensors in some cases.
- A written report on the type of termite, the extent of the infestation and a treatment plan.
Simple Preventive Steps
Fix leaks, keep wood away from the soil, do not bury wooden construction waste, direct rain drainage away from the walls, and make sure to inspect once a year. The details are in the prevention article.
Products from the Orkida Store
We choose the treatment according to the type of termite and where the infestation is, and we recommend reading the dose and safety interval on the label before starting. For large infestations, it is better to use a specialist to apply the full barrier.
- Professional Termite Control Package for Homes: A professional termite package combining the specialized insecticide and application equipment, and it is the most suitable starting point for most homes.
- Agenda 25 EC Public Health Insecticide for Termite Control, 1 L: Agenda 25 (fipronil) is a concentrate for treating the soil around foundations, and it is one of the essentials of the chemical barrier that termites pass through, carrying the material into the colony.
- Agenda 25 EC Public Health Insecticide for Termite Control, 100 ml: A small pack of Agenda for spot treatment in a small building or the affected part.
- Premise 200 SC Insecticide for Termite Control, 1 L: Premise (imidacloprid) is non-repellent, so termites do not avoid it. They pass through it and carry its effect to the colony, making it a strong option around foundations.
- Biflex TC Insecticide for Termite Control, 1 L: Biflex (bifenthrin) is a repellent, fast-acting soil barrier at foundations and entrances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are termites like ordinary ants?
No. They are white or pale, with wings of equal length and a body with no narrow waist. Ants have a narrow waist and elbowed antennae.
Can I treat termites myself?
You can treat small, localized infestations, but full foundations and large underground colonies need a specialist and application equipment.
Do termites eat iron and concrete?
No, but they pass through cracks in them to reach wood, paper and insulated wires.
How often should I inspect the building?
At least once a year, and twice a year if the house is old or the soil is damp.
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