Place the termite in something like a mason jar to examine it. You can still examine a dead termite, but it may be easier to observe a live one. Pick up the bug carefully to avoid killing it.

Termites have 4 wings. All 4 wings are the same size as a termite’s body, while ants’ wings are different sizes. Note that termites lose their wings after swarming, so the termite you’re looking at may not have any. Termites have 2 straight antennae. Ants’ antennae are somewhat curved.

Winged termites are dark brown or black. These are the termites you are likely to see and inspect. Worker termites do not have wings, but still have the same antennae. They are white in appearance and sometimes translucent. Soldier termites do not have wings and are brownish in colors. They have pincers near their heads, as well as antennae.

Crumbling wood and chipped paint can also indicate and infestation.

If you hear tapping noises in your home, this may be indicate a termite infestation.

Note that subterranean termites use their droppings as construction material for tunnels, so you may not notice termite droppings in your home.

Termites often build mud tubes overnight, so you may notice them cropping up unexpectedly in the morning.

Make sure any company you choose is licensed with the Department of Agriculture. A company that’s a member of the National Pest Management Association is also a plus. Contact 2 or 3 companies to get estimates. It can be costly to deal with termites, so make sure you seek out the best deal. Termites can cause damage, but do so slowly. It’s okay to take some time selecting a quality company. If a company uses scare tactics to pressure you into signing a contract quickly, this is probably not a good company.

In addition to deciding between baits and sprays, talk about how much of your home to treat. Sometimes, a termite infestation can be cleared up with spot treatments or treating the perimeter of your home. Other times, your entire house will need to be treated.

You may want to consult a physician if you have a medical condition that may be worsened by exposure to chemicals.

Always talk to a professional exterminator to go over treatment options.