Also, termites have relatively straight antennae while ants have elbowed antennae (called geniculate).

   Ants generally do not swarm at the same time as termites, but it can happen.
   Termites have a thick waist and ants have a narrow waist
   Termites have straight antennae and ants have elbowed antennae
   Termites have four wings that are all equal in length
   Ants have four wings, however, two are larger and two are smaller


Termite Swarming

Large swarms of winged insects inside and/or around the home is the most obvious sign of termite activity. Swarming occurs when reproductive male and female termites exit the colony and attempt to begin building a new colony. Since it takes most termite colonies at least three years to produce termite swarms, this is a likely sign of an ongoing problem.

When do termites swarm?

The exact dates termites swarm vary each year according to geographic regions, species type and weather conditions. Swarming season begins in January-February in the Houston area and can last through May or early June. As a general rule, most subterranean termites swarm under these conditions:
Daytime, usually morning to mid-day
Sunny - Often following rain
Formosan termites are a notable exception in that they typically swarm in the early evening.

Other signs home owners should watch for:

Dead termites or wings around windows, doors, heating vents, or in bath tubs and sinks, certain signs of termite activity.

Specks or trails of dirt on sheetrock or wall boards, typically on an outside wall, unless the termite infestation is coming from a bath-trap or crack in the foundation floor.

Termite mud tubes on walls located outside or inside the structure. The tubes are either round or flat and can usually measure at least 3/16" to 1/4 inch or wider. They look like their name - a tube of mud.

Damaged wood. Termites eat from the inside of the wood out (they like the spring wood and not the older lignin portion, so damaged wood is sometimes very difficult to detect. "Hollow" sounding wood should be inspected for termite damage.

Live termites. Termites are sometimes found while doing home remodeling or repair. Worker termites are small, whitish creatures that will quickly move away when exposed to light.

Note:  If termites are found...do not panic!  Just find a reputable termite inspector and ask him to come evaluate the evidence you have found.  This should not cost much.  And when you ask a professional for his opinion and are paying him, you will get a more unbiased opinion...which is what you want.  Please make a habit of not buying from the first person who comes out.  The difference between termite treating companies is like night and day.  Carefully listen to him to determine where, with what, how much and the process they are using to assure you that termites will be out of your house for a good while.  I provide second opinions, or will provide the actual work to rid your house of termites.  My goal is to have you feel good about the protection you have hired me to provide.  Work offered can be verified by reading the label of the termiticide being used...be informed and read the label!

I can be reached at 713-266-5305 or toll free at 1-866-545-9064.