| Scientific name | Reticulitermes flavipes |
|---|---|
| Group | Termites |
| Size | 3–10 mm (up to about 0.39 in) |
| Colors | White, Black and Tan |
| Legs | 6 legs |
| Wings | Yes |
| Where found | Indoors, anywhere, Basement or garage and Woods or trails |
| Most active | Spring |
| Bites | No |
| Stings | No |
| Risk level | Nuisance |
How to identify it
The eastern subterranean termite is a small member of the termites group. Straight antennae, a thick waist and, in swarmers, four equal wings. Check for these three features:
- Creamy white, soft-bodied workers in soil and wood
- Black swarmers with two pairs of equal-length wings
- Pencil-width mud tubes on foundations and walls
About this bug
The most widespread termite in North America, living in underground colonies and reaching wood through mud tubes. Dark, winged swarmers emerge indoors on warm spring days.
You'll usually find eastern subterranean termites indoors, in basements and garages and in woods and along trails. They are most active in spring.
Is it dangerous?
Termites don't bite people but can cause costly structural damage over time.
Our rating: Nuisance, meaning it is a nuisance pest but not a health threat to most people.
When you'll see eastern subterranean termites
Eastern Subterranean Termites are most active in spring. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs.
Typical places to check: indoors, anywhere, basement or garage and woods or trails.
About termites
The eastern subterranean termite is one of the termites. Termites live in colonies with a king, queen, workers and soldiers. Workers are pale, soft and rarely seen because they avoid light and dry air. Once a year, winged swarmers leave mature colonies to start new ones.
Swarmers indoors, discarded wings on windowsills and mud tubes on foundations are the three most common early warning signs.
What to do about it
- Schedule a professional inspection if you see swarmers or mud tubes
- Eliminate wood-to-soil contact and fix leaks
- Keep mulch and firewood away from the foundation
Bugs that look similar
Group: Eastern Subterranean Termite belongs to termites, while carpenter ant belongs to ants. Straight antennae, a thick waist and, in swarmers, four equal wings.
Size: Drywood Termites are larger, reaching 12 mm, while eastern subterranean termites top out around 10 mm.
Frequently asked questions
What does an eastern subterranean termite look like?
Creamy white, soft-bodied workers in soil and wood. Adults measure 3–10 mm (up to about 0.39 in).
Does the eastern subterranean termite bite or sting?
It does not bite. It does not sting. Termites don't bite people but can cause costly structural damage over time.
Where do eastern subterranean termites live?
Eastern Subterranean Termites live indoors, in basements and garages and in woods and along trails.
When are eastern subterranean termites most active?
Mostly in spring.