While there are several types of termites, the most common in the West region is the Western Subterranean Termite. These termites are considered major structural pests, and can cause severe damage to the house structure.
Since you are reading this, you have probably seen a termite or something you think might be a termite. Except under unusual conditions, we normally don’t expect termites to be out in the open. Only when they prepare to spread the colony, do they send out ‘alates’ or a winged caste of reproductives. They look like small flying ants, however if you look closely, it is easy to tell the difference. A casual observation will help you know for sure if you have ants or termites.

- Termites have small straight antennae; ants are elbow shaped
- Termites have a straight waistline; ants are pinched in the middle, kind of like a wasp
- Termites have two pair of wings, one over the top of the other that are the same length. Ants have two pair of wings that are not the same size or shape.
Sometimes we see these insects crawling around on the floor or near a window sill. Sweep a few up into a zip lock bag and bring them into our office or contact us. We’ll tell you what you have found right then and there.