Termite Identification Guide: How to Spot and Understand Termites in the San Jose Bay Area

1. Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes hesperus)

These are the most destructive termites in California and are responsible for the majority of infestations in the area.

Identification:

• Workers: Creamy white, 1/8 inch long

• Soldiers: Larger jaws and darker heads

• Swarmers: Dark brown to black, about 3/8 inch long with long, pale wings

Habits:

• Live underground or in moist, hidden areas

• Build mud tubes to travel between nest and food source

• Feed on structural wood, causing serious damage over time

2. Drywood Termites (Incisitermes minor)

Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with soil.

Identification:

• Swarmers: Reddish-brown, about 1/2 inch long with transparent wings

• No worker caste: Nymphs act as workers

Habits:

• Nest directly inside dry wood, including framing, furniture, and flooring

• Produce distinct, pellet-like frass (droppings)

• Infestations are usually localized and slower to spread but still damaging

3. Dampwood Termites (Zootermopsis angusticollis)

Less common in homes but occasionally found in areas with excessive moisture.

Identification:

• Larger in size: Swarmers are up to 1 inch long

• Bodies are a range of colors from light brown to reddish-brown

Habits:

• Thrive in high-moisture wood (logs, stumps, decaying structural wood)

• Typically found in leaky or poorly ventilated areas like crawl spaces

Early detection of termites is critical to minimizing damage. Here are the most common signs that you may have termites:

• Mud Tubes: Small, dirt-colored tunnels along foundation walls, used by subterranean termites to reach wood.

• Swarmers (Alates): Winged termites that emerge in spring or after rain. Finding discarded wings near windows is a red flag.

• Frass (Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind small, ridged, wood-colored pellets.

• Hollow-sounding wood: Tap wooden surfaces; if they sound hollow or papery, termites may have eaten through the inside.

• Bubbling or peeling paint: Often mistaken for water damage but could be caused by termite activity under the surface.

• Visible damage: Cracked baseboards, sagging floors, or weakened wood structures.

Each termite colony has a sophisticated caste system:

1. Workers

• Responsible for foraging, feeding other castes, and maintaining the nest

• Cause the majority of wood damage

2. Soldiers

• Defend the colony against predators

• Identified by their large jaws and darker heads

3. Swarmers (Alates)

• Reproductive members that leave the colony to start new ones

• Usually the first visible sign of an infestation

4. Queen and King

• Responsible for reproduction

• The queen can live for over a decade and lay thousands of eggs

In the San Jose region, termite swarming typically occurs:

• Subterranean termites: Late winter to early spring (especially after rain)

• Drywood termites: Late summer to early fall

Swarming is when reproductive termites leave their colony to start new ones. If you see swarmers indoors, it's a strong sign there's an established colony in or near your home.

Knowing where termites tend to invade can help you detect issues sooner:

• Crawl spaces and basements

• Wooden siding and fascia

• Roof eaves and attics

• Around plumbing leaks or foundation cracks

• Hardwood floors and wall framing

• Wooden decks and fence posts

If you see any signs of termites, don’t wait. Termites can cause extensive damage in a short time—especially subterranean species. Here’s what to do next:

1. Avoid disturbing the area (you could scatter the colony)

2. Take photos of any damage, droppings, or wings

3. Call a licensed termite control company for an inspection

What bugs are commonly mistaken for termites?

Flying ants, carpenter ants, and even certain beetles can resemble termites. Look for straight antennae and equal-length wings to distinguish termites.

How can I tell if the swarmers I found are from inside or outside?

If you find swarmers or wings indoors, it's very likely the colony is inside your home.

Are termites active year-round?

Yes. Even though you may see them swarm in certain seasons, termite colonies are active 24/7, 365 days a year.

(For more Frequently Asked Questions about termites, visit our FAQ page)

Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the San Jose Bay Area, and early identification is the best defense. Now that you know what to look for, where to look, and which termites are most common in this region, you’re better equipped to protect your property.

Need help identifying or eliminating termites? Contact us for a free termite inspection in the San Jose Bay Area and get peace of mind today: (408) 921-2192