Florida Pest Answers
"I need to know what’s nesting in my yard. How can I tell if they are baby termites?"
Baby termites—known as nymphs—are tiny, pale white insects about 1/10 of an inch long. They’re soft-bodied, wingless, and slow-moving, which is why they’re often mistaken for maggots or ant larvae at first glance. The easiest way to tell them apart is by looking at the waist and antennae: baby termites have a thick, straight waist and straight antennae, while ants have a pinched waist and bent antennae.
Because of their baby termites size, they can be hard to spot with the naked eye. You’re unlikely to see them out in the open since nymphs generally stay deep within the colony, protected by worker termites who feed and care for them. If you do come across them, it’ll usually be inside damaged wood, near mud tubes, or in damp soil. Subterranean termites, in particular, are common in Florida, and build their colonies underground, often right beneath your yard.
So what do baby termites look like compared to adults? Pretty much the same, just smaller. As they grow, they molt several times and eventually develop into workers, soldiers, or winged swarmers, depending on what the colony needs. The important thing to know is that if you’re seeing nymphs, there’s an active colony nearby, and the damage may already be underway. Professional exterminators, like Florida Pest Control, are experienced at spotting the signs and will recommend, and apply, the appropriate treatment.
