What kind of termite do I have?

Use this guide to compare signs. Mud tubes on walls or foundations point to subterranean termites. Dry pellets (frass) and damage in dry wood with no mud point to drywood termites. Damp or decaying wood with galleries and no mud tubes may be dampwood termites. Termites only in the garden foraging on grass are often harvester termites. Round exit holes and powdery frass indicate wood borer (beetle), not termites. Swarmers can be from subterranean, drywood, or dampwood colonies; professional ID is recommended.

Where are termites usually found?

Subterranean termites need soil contact — foundations, damp wood, mud tubes. Drywood termites live inside dry wood — roof timbers, furniture, joinery. Dampwood termites need moist or decaying wood — leaks, wet subfloors, stumps. Harvester termites are in gardens and lawns, not in structural wood. Where you see them — and whether there are mud tubes, frass, or damp wood — helps identify the type.

What does termite damage look like?

Subterranean damage often includes mud in galleries, hollowed wood (thin veneer left), and mud tubes. Drywood damage includes dry pellet frass, kick-holes, and hollowed wood. You may also see blistered paint, buckling floors, sagging timber, or hollow sound when tapping. A professional inspection confirms active infestation and extent.

Termite or ant swarmers?

Termite swarmers have straight antennae, a thick waist, and two pairs of equal-length wings. Ant swarmers have elbowed antennae, a narrow waist, and forewings longer than hind wings. Discarded wings of similar size suggest termites.

Why do I have termites?

Subterranean termites nest in soil and forage to wood; moisture, wood-to-soil contact, and cellulose attract them. Drywood termites can be in existing wood or brought in with infested furniture or timber. Dampwood termites need leaks or damp wood. Reducing moisture, fixing leaks, avoiding wood-soil contact, and not storing cardboard/wood against foundations help deter termites.

When should I get professional help?

Get a professional termite inspection for mud tubes, suspected damage, swarmers indoors, frass in wood, or damp wood with galleries. Do not disturb mud tubes or spray randomly; correct identification and targeted treatment (barriers, baiting, or wood treatment) protect your property. Also get an inspection before buying a timber property or if a neighbour has had termites.

How often should I get a termite inspection?

Annual or biennial inspections are recommended for properties in termite-prone areas, especially with timber construction or previous termite history. Before purchase or major renovation, a full inspection is advised.

How do I use the quick comparison table?

Match what you see (mud tubes, frass, where found, behaviour clue) to the most likely termite type — or wood borer — in the table. Then read that species card for full details. Link through to Termite Control Cape Town when you need an inspection or treatment.

Termite Identification Guide

Q: Termite or wood borer?

Termites (subterranean) leave mud tubes and need soil/moisture; termites (drywood) leave dry pellet frass and kick-holes. Wood borers are beetles: they leave round exit holes (1–3 mm) and often powdery or gritty frass. No mud tubes and no termite workers; treatment for beetles is different (e.g. surface treatment, heat).

Termites cause serious damage to buildings and timber across South Africa — from the Western Cape to the Highveld. This guide helps you identify subterranean termites (the main structural threat), drywood and dampwood termites, and harvester termites, plus how to tell termite damage from wood borer damage. Correct identification guides the right inspection and treatment, and helps you act before damage spreads. Know the signs: mud tubes, frass, hollow wood, swarmers, and when to call a professional.

Compare termite types and damage signs in South African homes, gardens, and structures. Subterranean, drywood, dampwood, harvester — and termite vs wood borer.

Need help with termites?

Call See Termite Control Cape Town

Termite damage to skirting pointed out — identification guide context; species cards describe subterranean, drywood, dampwood, harvester termites, and wood borer

Species pest guides

After you narrow the type, read the matching manuscript-style guide—including harvester termites when activity is in the lawn or garden rather than structural timber.

How to use this guide

Check where you see activity — soil contact, wood only (dry or damp), or garden/outdoors
Look for mud tubes (subterranean), frass pellets (drywood), or damp/decaying wood (dampwood)
Compare swarmers (winged termites) — equal-length wings, straight antennae, thick waist vs ants
Compare damage — hollowed wood, mud in galleries, dry pellets, or round exit holes (wood borer)
Consider location — foundations, roof timber, furniture, subfloor, or garden mounds
Rule out wood borer — beetles leave round exit holes and different frass; termites leave mud or dry pellets

Quick comparison

Termite	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Subterranean termite	Cream to pale brown workers; dark swarmers	Workers ~4–6 mm; swarmers larger with wings	Ground contact; foundations; mud tubes on walls; damp wood	Needs soil/moisture; builds mud tubes; most serious structural pest
Drywood termite	Cream to light brown	Similar to subterranean; swarmers with wings	Dry wood only; furniture; roof timbers; no soil contact	No mud tubes; dry faecal pellets (frass); kicks out pellets from kick-holes
Dampwood termite	Cream to light brown; larger than drywood	Larger workers; big swarmers	Damp or decaying wood; leaks; roof leaks; no soil contact	Needs moist wood; no mud tubes; often in wet timber or stumps
Harvester termite	Dark; often reddish or brown	Variable; workers and soldiers visible outdoors	Gardens; vegetation; mounds or trails; not in structural wood	Forages above ground; eats grass/vegetation; not a structural pest
Wood borer (beetle)	Beetle: brown; larvae inside wood	Exit holes 1–3 mm round; larvae vary	Furniture; flooring; timber; old or imported wood	Not a termite; round exit holes; powdery or gritty frass; different treatment

Species at a glance

Use the cards below to match what you see — appearance, where they are found, and behaviour.

Subterranean Termite

e.g. Coptotermes, Macrotermes (various SA species)

Appearance

Workers: cream to pale brown; soft-bodied; no wings
Soldiers: larger head, mandibles; same colour range
Swarmers (alates): dark brown or black; two pairs of equal-length wings; shed wings after mating
Mud tubes: pencil-thick or wider; on foundations, walls, or timber

Commonly found

Foundations and subfloorsWall cavities (with mud)Skirting boardsDamp or wood-to-soil contactLeaking pipes or moisture sourcesGardens (nest in soil; forage to wood)

Behaviour

The most damaging termite type to buildings in South Africa. They need contact with soil or a constant moisture source. Build mud shelter tubes from ground to wood; tunnel inside timber, leaving a thin veneer. Damage can be extensive before it is visible. Swarm in warm, humid conditions (often after rain). Professional inspection and treatment (barriers, baiting) are usually required.

Why you may be seeing them

Mud tubes on walls or foundations; hollow-sounding timber; swarmers indoors or at lights; wings discarded on sills. Often found during renovations or when probing damaged wood.

Often confused with

Ant swarmers (ants have elbowed antennae, narrow waist); termites have straight antennae, thick waist · Drywood termites (no mud tubes; dry wood only)

When to get help

Mud tubes, swarmers indoors, or suspected damage — get a professional termite inspection. Do not disturb colonies; treatment must be targeted.

In South Africa, subterranean termites are the primary cause of structural termite damage. Common in older homes, timber-rich areas, and where moisture or wood-soil contact exists.

Subterranean termite pest guide Need help with termites? See Termite Control Cape Town

Drywood Termite

e.g. Cryptotermes spp. (various SA species)

Appearance

Workers and soldiers: cream to light brown; soft-bodied
Swarmers: darker; two pairs of equal-length wings
No mud tubes — live entirely inside dry wood
Frass: small, hard, dry pellets (often piled or scattered below kick-holes)

Commonly found

Roof timbersFurnitureSkirting and joineryDry structural woodNo soil contact needed

Behaviour

Live and feed inside dry wood; do not need soil or constant moisture. Create galleries inside timber; push out faecal pellets (frass) through small kick-holes. Damage can be localised (e.g. one piece of furniture) or spread in roof structures. Swarm to start new colonies. Less common than subterranean in many areas but still a structural concern. Treatment usually involves targeted application or fumigation of affected wood.

Why you may be seeing them

Piles of dry, gritty pellets (frass) near wood; hollowed wood; swarmers or discarded wings near windows or timber. Often found when moving furniture or during roof inspections.

Often confused with

Subterranean termites (those need mud tubes and moisture) · Wood borer (beetle) damage (different frass; exit holes)

When to get help

Frass or damaged dry wood; swarmers from indoors. Professional inspection confirms species and extent; treatment depends on location and access.

Drywood termites can be introduced with second-hand furniture or timber. Inspect antique or imported wood; treat infested items before bringing indoors.

Drywood termite pest guide Need help with termites? See Termite Control Cape Town

Dampwood Termite

e.g. Porotermes, Stolotermes (various SA species)

Appearance

Larger than drywood termites; cream to light brown
Workers and soldiers soft-bodied; swarmers with two pairs of equal-length wings
No mud tubes — live in the damp wood itself
Galleries may contain moist faecal material, not dry pellets

Commonly found

Damp or decaying woodRoof leaks or plumbing leaksWindow frames with moistureStumps and logs in contact with structuresWet subfloors or timber in crawl spaces

Behaviour

Need consistently moist or decaying wood; do not need soil contact. Often associated with leaks, poor ventilation, or wood in ground contact that stays wet. Less common than subterranean termites in many areas but can cause localised damage. Fixing moisture and removing damp wood is part of control; professional treatment may be needed for active colonies.

Why you may be seeing them

Leaking pipes, blocked gutters, or timber in damp conditions. Often found when investigating a leak or during building surveys. More likely in coastal or high-rainfall areas.

Often confused with

Subterranean termites (subterranean build mud tubes; dampwood do not) · Drywood termites (drywood need dry wood; dampwood need moisture)

When to get help

Damp wood with termite activity; fix moisture first, then get an inspection to confirm species and extent of damage.

Dampwood termite pest guide Need help with termites? See Termite Control Cape Town

Harvester Termite

e.g. Hodotermitidae (various SA species)

Appearance

Dark brown to reddish; more heavily pigmented than subterranean
Workers and soldiers visible when foraging above ground
Often seen in trails or at mound entrances
Eat grass and vegetation; do not eat structural timber

Commonly found

GardensLawnsVegetation and grassDistinctive mounds or cleared patchesNot typically in building timber

Behaviour

Forage above ground for grass and plant material; build mounds or nest in soil. Can affect lawns and gardens but do not attack sound structural timber. Often confused with subterranean termites because both may be seen near soil. Identification matters: harvester termites do not require the same structural treatment as subterranean termites.

Why you may be seeing them

Trails of termites on the ground; bare patches in lawn; mounds; or termites carrying grass. Seen in gardens and open areas, especially in drier regions.

Often confused with

Subterranean termites (subterranean have mud tubes to wood; harvester forages for vegetation) · Ants (termites have straight antennae, thick waist)

When to get help

Only if they are affecting gardens or you are unsure of identification. For structural concerns, ensure you are not dealing with subterranean or drywood termites.

Not a structural pest; identification avoids unnecessary treatment. If you see termites only in the garden and not in wood, they may be harvester termites.

Harvester termite pest guide Need help with termites? See Termite Control Cape Town

Wood Borer (not a termite)

Beetles e.g. Lyctus, Anobium, Bostrychidae

Appearance

Round exit holes (1–3 mm) in wood surface
Frass: fine powder or gritty pellets, often loose in holes
Adult beetles may be seen; larvae live inside wood
No mud tubes; no termite workers or soldiers

Commonly found

FurnitureFlooringTimber and joineryOld or imported woodPlywood and hardwoods

Behaviour

Wood borers are beetles whose larvae tunnel in wood; they are not termites. Damage looks different: round exit holes where adults emerged, and frass that is often powdery or granular, not the packed pellets or mud of termites. Treatment (e.g. surface treatment, heat, or replacement) is different from termite treatment. Correct ID avoids wrong product or method.

Why you may be seeing them

Old furniture, second-hand timber, or existing infestation. New exit holes or frass near timber suggest active beetles. Common in hardwood flooring and antique furniture.

Often confused with

Drywood termites (termites have uniform pellet frass and kick-holes; beetles have round exit holes) · Subterranean termites (those have mud tubes and need soil)

When to get help

Active exit holes or frass; professional ID confirms beetle vs termite and recommends the right treatment (e.g. wood treatment or heat).

Included so you can rule out termites. Wood borer damage needs different treatment; identification saves time and cost.

Need help with termites? See Termite Control Cape Town

Common signs by location

Where you see termites — mud tubes, frass, or damage — points to which type. Use this to narrow down identification and know when to call an expert.

Mud tubes on walls or foundations
Classic sign of subterranean termites. Do not break tubes; get a professional inspection.
Subterranean termite
Hollow or damaged wood indoors
Subterranean if soil contact or mud; drywood if dry wood + frass; dampwood if wood is damp or decaying.
Subterranean termiteDrywood termiteDampwood termite
Dry pellets (frass) near wood
Small, hard pellets pushed out of kick-holes. Indicates drywood termite activity.
Drywood termite
Damp or decaying wood with galleries
Dampwood if no mud tubes and wood is wet; subterranean if mud tubes present.
Dampwood termiteSubterranean termite
Winged swarmers indoors or at lights
All can swarm. Where they emerge (ground vs high) and condition of nearby wood helps ID; professional ID is best.
Subterranean termiteDrywood termiteDampwood termite
Discarded wings on sills or floors
Termites shed wings after mating. Equal-length wings and thick waist = termite. Collect sample for ID.
Subterranean termiteDrywood termiteDampwood termite
Blistered paint, buckling floors, or sagging timber
Damage can show as surface distortion. Inspect for mud, frass, or hollow sound.
Subterranean termiteDrywood termite
Termites in garden or lawn
Harvester termites forage for grass; subterranean may nest in soil and forage to the building. Check for mud tubes to the structure.
Harvester termiteSubterranean termite
Round exit holes in wood
Not termites. Beetles leave round holes and different frass. Different treatment required.
Wood borer (beetle)

Why termites keep coming back

Colony not fully treated — termites nest in soil or wood; partial treatment leaves the colony active.
New entry points — moisture, wood-to-soil contact, cracks, or gaps allow re-entry.
Adjacent colony — another colony can find the same building; barriers protect the structure.
Moisture or leaks — subterranean and dampwood termites need moisture; fixing leaks and drainage helps.
Untreated wood or furniture — drywood termites can be introduced with infested items; inspect before bringing in.
Cellulose sources — cardboard, paper, or timber against walls can attract termites; keep storage away from foundations.
Landscaping against walls — soil, mulch, or timber against the building creates bridges; maintain a gap.
Stumps or debris — untreated wood in soil near the building can harbour colonies; remove or treat.

Common termite behaviour patterns

These patterns help when you cannot identify by name alone.

Mud tubes to wood
Subterranean termites. Do not remove tubes before inspection. Professional treatment targets the colony and creates a barrier.
Dry wood and pellet piles
Drywood termites. No soil contact; frass is dry and pellet-like. Treatment is to the infested wood or area.
Damp wood, no mud tubes
Could be dampwood termites. They need moist wood; fix leaks and remove damp timber; get an inspection if activity continues.
Termites only in garden
Often harvester termites. They eat vegetation, not structural timber. Confirm ID before treating for structural termites.
Swarmers after rain or in warm weather
Winged reproductives from subterranean, drywood, or dampwood colonies. Note where they emerged; professional ID is best.
Hollow timber, no mud
Could be drywood (look for frass) or old subterranean damage. Inspection confirms and guides treatment.
Round holes and powdery frass
Wood borer (beetle), not termites. Different treatment — surface or heat treatment, or replacement of affected wood.
Blistered paint or sagging timber
Can indicate termite damage behind the surface. Do not disturb; get a professional inspection to confirm and locate activity.

When to get professional help

Mud tubes on foundations or walls
Suspected termite damage to timber (hollow sound, blistering, sagging)
Swarmers indoors or discarded wings on sills
Frass or kick-holes in dry wood
Damp wood with termite activity or galleries
Before buying or selling a property with timber
Before major renovations that could disturb infested areas
If a neighbour has had termites (colonies can spread)
Uncertain whether damage is termite or wood borer

Call Get a termite inspection

Ready to protect your property from termites?

Get a professional termite inspection or see our Termite Control Cape Town service.

Call Termite Control Cape Town

Termite Identification Guide

Compare termite types and damage signs in South African homes, gardens, and structures. Subterranean, drywood, dampwood, harvester — and termite vs wood borer.

How to use this guide

Check where you see activity — soil contact, wood only (dry or damp), or garden/outdoors

Look for mud tubes (subterranean), frass pellets (drywood), or damp/decaying wood (dampwood)

Compare swarmers (winged termites) — equal-length wings, straight antennae, thick waist vs ants

Compare damage — hollowed wood, mud in galleries, dry pellets, or round exit holes (wood borer)

Consider location — foundations, roof timber, furniture, subfloor, or garden mounds

Rule out wood borer — beetles leave round exit holes and different frass; termites leave mud or dry pellets

Quick comparison

Termite	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Subterranean termite	Cream to pale brown workers; dark swarmers	Workers ~4–6 mm; swarmers larger with wings	Ground contact; foundations; mud tubes on walls; damp wood	Needs soil/moisture; builds mud tubes; most serious structural pest
Drywood termite	Cream to light brown	Similar to subterranean; swarmers with wings	Dry wood only; furniture; roof timbers; no soil contact	No mud tubes; dry faecal pellets (frass); kicks out pellets from kick-holes
Dampwood termite	Cream to light brown; larger than drywood	Larger workers; big swarmers	Damp or decaying wood; leaks; roof leaks; no soil contact	Needs moist wood; no mud tubes; often in wet timber or stumps
Harvester termite	Dark; often reddish or brown	Variable; workers and soldiers visible outdoors	Gardens; vegetation; mounds or trails; not in structural wood	Forages above ground; eats grass/vegetation; not a structural pest
Wood borer (beetle)	Beetle: brown; larvae inside wood	Exit holes 1–3 mm round; larvae vary	Furniture; flooring; timber; old or imported wood	Not a termite; round exit holes; powdery or gritty frass; different treatment

Subterranean Termite

e.g. Coptotermes, Macrotermes (various SA species)

Appearance

Workers: cream to pale brown; soft-bodied; no wings
Soldiers: larger head, mandibles; same colour range
Swarmers (alates): dark brown or black; two pairs of equal-length wings; shed wings after mating
Mud tubes: pencil-thick or wider; on foundations, walls, or timber

Commonly found

Foundations and subfloorsWall cavities (with mud)Skirting boardsDamp or wood-to-soil contactLeaking pipes or moisture sourcesGardens (nest in soil; forage to wood)

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Mud tubes on walls or foundations; hollow-sounding timber; swarmers indoors or at lights; wings discarded on sills. Often found during renovations or when probing damaged wood.

Often confused with

Ant swarmers (ants have elbowed antennae, narrow waist); termites have straight antennae, thick waist · Drywood termites (no mud tubes; dry wood only)

When to get help

Mud tubes, swarmers indoors, or suspected damage — get a professional termite inspection. Do not disturb colonies; treatment must be targeted.

In South Africa, subterranean termites are the primary cause of structural termite damage. Common in older homes, timber-rich areas, and where moisture or wood-soil contact exists.

Subterranean termite pest guide Need help with termites? See Termite Control Cape Town

Common signs by location

Where you see termites — mud tubes, frass, or damage — points to which type. Use this to narrow down identification and know when to call an expert.

Mud tubes on walls or foundations

Classic sign of subterranean termites. Do not break tubes; get a professional inspection.

Subterranean termite

Hollow or damaged wood indoors

Subterranean if soil contact or mud; drywood if dry wood + frass; dampwood if wood is damp or decaying.

Subterranean termiteDrywood termiteDampwood termite

Dry pellets (frass) near wood

Small, hard pellets pushed out of kick-holes. Indicates drywood termite activity.

Drywood termite

Damp or decaying wood with galleries

Dampwood if no mud tubes and wood is wet; subterranean if mud tubes present.

Dampwood termiteSubterranean termite

Winged swarmers indoors or at lights

All can swarm. Where they emerge (ground vs high) and condition of nearby wood helps ID; professional ID is best.

Subterranean termiteDrywood termiteDampwood termite

Discarded wings on sills or floors

Termites shed wings after mating. Equal-length wings and thick waist = termite. Collect sample for ID.

Subterranean termiteDrywood termiteDampwood termite

Blistered paint, buckling floors, or sagging timber

Damage can show as surface distortion. Inspect for mud, frass, or hollow sound.

Subterranean termiteDrywood termite

Termites in garden or lawn

Harvester termites forage for grass; subterranean may nest in soil and forage to the building. Check for mud tubes to the structure.

Harvester termiteSubterranean termite

Round exit holes in wood

Not termites. Beetles leave round holes and different frass. Different treatment required.

Wood borer (beetle)

Why termites keep coming back

Colony not fully treated — termites nest in soil or wood; partial treatment leaves the colony active.

New entry points — moisture, wood-to-soil contact, cracks, or gaps allow re-entry.

Adjacent colony — another colony can find the same building; barriers protect the structure.

Moisture or leaks — subterranean and dampwood termites need moisture; fixing leaks and drainage helps.

Untreated wood or furniture — drywood termites can be introduced with infested items; inspect before bringing in.

Cellulose sources — cardboard, paper, or timber against walls can attract termites; keep storage away from foundations.

Landscaping against walls — soil, mulch, or timber against the building creates bridges; maintain a gap.

Stumps or debris — untreated wood in soil near the building can harbour colonies; remove or treat.

Common termite behaviour patterns

These patterns help when you cannot identify by name alone.

Mud tubes to wood

Subterranean termites. Do not remove tubes before inspection. Professional treatment targets the colony and creates a barrier.

Dry wood and pellet piles

Drywood termites. No soil contact; frass is dry and pellet-like. Treatment is to the infested wood or area.

Damp wood, no mud tubes

Could be dampwood termites. They need moist wood; fix leaks and remove damp timber; get an inspection if activity continues.

Termites only in garden

Often harvester termites. They eat vegetation, not structural timber. Confirm ID before treating for structural termites.

Swarmers after rain or in warm weather

Winged reproductives from subterranean, drywood, or dampwood colonies. Note where they emerged; professional ID is best.

Hollow timber, no mud

Could be drywood (look for frass) or old subterranean damage. Inspection confirms and guides treatment.

Round holes and powdery frass

Wood borer (beetle), not termites. Different treatment — surface or heat treatment, or replacement of affected wood.

Blistered paint or sagging timber

Can indicate termite damage behind the surface. Do not disturb; get a professional inspection to confirm and locate activity.

When to get professional help

Mud tubes on foundations or walls

Suspected termite damage to timber (hollow sound, blistering, sagging)

Swarmers indoors or discarded wings on sills

Frass or kick-holes in dry wood

Damp wood with termite activity or galleries

Before buying or selling a property with timber

Before major renovations that could disturb infested areas

If a neighbour has had termites (colonies can spread)

Uncertain whether damage is termite or wood borer

Termite Identification Guide

Species pest guides

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Common signs by location

Mud tubes on walls or foundations

Hollow or damaged wood indoors

Dry pellets (frass) near wood

Damp or decaying wood with galleries

Winged swarmers indoors or at lights

Discarded wings on sills or floors

Blistered paint, buckling floors, or sagging timber

Termites in garden or lawn

Round exit holes in wood

Why termites keep coming back

Common termite behaviour patterns

Mud tubes to wood

Dry wood and pellet piles

Damp wood, no mud tubes

Termites only in garden

Swarmers after rain or in warm weather

Hollow timber, no mud

Round holes and powdery frass

Blistered paint or sagging timber

When to get professional help

Related pages

Ready to protect your property from termites?

Termite Identification Guide

Species pest guides

How to use this guide

Quick comparison

Species at a glance

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with

When to get help

Appearance

Commonly found

Behaviour

Why you may be seeing them

Often confused with