What Do Termites Look Like: How To Identify Termites - Terminix

Content updated: February 3rd, 2026

Key Takeaways

• Termite identification is key to recognizing the signs of an infestation and preventing extensive damage to the structural integrity of your home and the need for costly repairs.
• Termites can range from one-eighth of an inch to one inch long. They have a straight, beaded antennae and waist and can be white to light beige or darker shades like brown and black.
• Worker, soldier, and reproductive termites all have their own role within the colony and may look slightly different. The most common termite species are subterranean, Formosan and drywood.
• Ants and worker bees can be mistaken for termites but they have a few physical and behavioural differences.
• Signs of termites include discarded wings near entry points, mud tubes on walls, hollow-sounding wood, frass, and visible wood damage.

Jump to section:

• Key characteristics of termites

• What color are termites

• How to identify different species of termites

• How can you tell you have termites?

• Bugs mistaken for termites

• What are the signs of termites in a home?

Termite identification is crucial for any homeowner, as it can be the first step in preventing significant damage to your property. Understanding what termites look like and common termite characteristics helps you identify an infestation early and seek professional help before they compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Termite characteristics: what does a termite look like?

So, what does a termite look like? Where do they live? How can you tell if you have termites? Here are some quick tips to help identify whether or not you have a termite infestation on your hands.

A termite's size can range from one-eighth of an inch to one inch long. Besides a termite’s size, some other key characteristics of termites include their straight, beaded antennae and waist, which is generally straight and thicker compared to the pinched waist of ants, a common insect they are mistaken for.

Termites have two pairs of wings of equal length, which they shed after finding a place to build a new colony. Their bodies can be segmented, and depending on their role within the colony (worker, soldier, or reproductive), their appearance may vary slightly.

What color are termites?

What termites look like, especially in color, can significantly vary depending on their species and role within the colony. Generally, their colors range from white and light beige to darker shades like brown and black. These color differences can assist in quickly determining the termite's role and the potential threat level to structures.

Black termites

Black termites are typically swarming termites, which are termites that leave the colony to mate and establish new colonies after sprouting wings. These termites will appear dark in color, generally dark brown or black.

White termites

If you find white termites in your home, they're likely worker termites, visible when you disrupt their mud tubes or infested wood. These termites are creamy yellow-white or pale tan. The presence of white worker termites suggests a termite colony is attacking the structure. Soldier termites may also be light in color and have darker, orange-colored heads. Termite eggs and larvae inside nests are also white or light-colored, with eggs resembling translucent jelly beans. As larvae mature, their color may change based on their colony role.

Brown (amber) termites

Like black termites, brown (or amber) termites are usually swarming termites. These termites may be reproductive termites (swarmers) or soldiers within the colony. Both tend to be seen outside the nest, as their roles do not involve working inside the nest, as white worker termites do. It may be hard to distinguish between black and brown termites, as they can appear similar in color.

Termite identification: how to identify different termite species

In the United States, homeowners commonly encounter three types of termites: subterranean, drywood, and formosan termites. Here’s a brief breakdown of what these termites look like and some of their key differences: