TERMITE or ANT ?Identification Characteristics

Ant Termite

Winged ant (alate)

• Elbowed antennae

• Fore wings larger than hind wings

• Waist constricted

Winged termite (alate)

• Beaded antennae

• Fore and hind wings of equal size

• Waist broad

Subterranean Termite Damage: Characteristics

Characteristics• “mud”• stratification

In general; termites prefer cellulose that is easy to digest. Termites even prefer softer “spring” wood of softwoods which results in stratification the wood where the damage is primarily between the growth rings. Termite “mud” consisting of particles of soil, wood or debris cemented together with saliva and fecal matter is characteristic of termite damaged wood.