Central Virginia Pest Management Association - Termites / Wood Destroying Insects

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Termites / Wood Destroying Insects

Carpenter Ant

Appearance
Among the largest of ants, 1/4- to 3/8-inch long. Color varies depending on species, from red to black or a combination. The most common species is black.

Old House Borers

Appearance

Long, thin antennae that are often as long (or longer) than the body of the beetle; 5/8- to 1-inch in length. The beetle's body has a slightly flattened appearance, and its color may appear dark gray, but is usually brownish black to black. It is not often that a homeowner or pest control operator actually finds adult old house borers in a structure; the sound of the larvae feeding, exit holes and frass are the signs that usually point to an infestation.

Powderpost Beetle

Appearance
Reddish brown, with long, narrow, flat bodies; 1/8- to 1/4-inch.

Subterranean Termite

Appearance

While all termites have long narrow bodies, they vary greatly in appearance depending on the termite's role in the colony. Subterranean termite workers are pale cream-colored and 1/8-inch long; soldiers have elongated heads with pincer-like mandibles; and primary reproductives (commonly called "swarmers" and the termites most often seen in the open) are dark brown or black and 1 inch long, with large whitish wings.