How do I know if I have termites or flying ants?
Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist, and two wings of equal length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist, and uneven wings. Save one insect in a jar and show a provider.

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Finding termites, or something that looks like them, can feel awful. You may worry about your walls, your floors, and your budget. That worry is normal. The good news is that termite problems usually move slowly, and there are clear steps you can take.
Usofcode Pest Control is a referral service. We do not treat homes ourselves. We connect homeowners in Barnstable Town, MA and the Barnstable Town area with independent providers in our network who inspect, explain what they find, and treat the problem. This page walks you through what to do first, how treatment works, what it may cost, and which questions to ask before you hire anyone.
First, know this: you have time to make a calm plan. Termites work slowly. A few quiet minutes now will help you act well. Here is one clear step at a time.
Do not poke, scrape, or vacuum the area. Leave any wings, mud tubes, or crumbly wood just as you found them. A provider can learn a lot from what is still there.
Use your phone. Take a close shot and a wider shot of each spot. Note the date and the room. Photos help a provider understand what you saw before they even arrive.
Sprays can scatter termites into new parts of the house. They also make it harder to tell where the colony is. Wait for a proper inspection first.
Termites eat wood from the inside. You may not see the harm until it has grown. In older homes with full basements and stone or block foundations, wood sits close to damp ground. That gives termites an easy path in.
Cold winters do not always stop them. Colonies can live deep in the soil or inside warm walls. Then spring snowmelt and thaw cycles soak the ground near your foundation. A fast check can keep a small problem small.
Many homeowners see only one sign. That is enough to ask for an inspection.
Look for thin mud tubes on block, stone, or concrete. They are about the width of a pencil. Check sill plates, basement beams, and wood that touches the ground. Porch steps and old Cape Cod style additions are common spots too.
Most homes in colder regions face subterranean termites. They live in soil and travel up to your wood through mud tubes. Drywood termites live inside the wood itself and are less common in cold areas, though they can arrive in furniture. A provider will tell you which kind you have. The answer shapes the whole plan.
The steps are simpler than most people expect. Each provider has their own methods, so ask them to explain theirs in plain words.
The provider checks the basement, crawl spaces, attic, and outside walls. They look for live activity, past damage, and moisture. Then they explain what they found and show you the proof.
A liquid treatment places a protective zone in the soil around the foundation. Bait stations sit in the ground and slowly reduce the colony over time. Some homes need both. Wood that is badly damaged may need repair by a separate contractor.
Buyers and lenders often ask for a termite inspection when a house changes hands. If you are selling, an early inspection avoids surprises. If you are buying an older home, read the report closely. Ask whether the findings are active or old, and whether treatment records exist.
Whether you search for an exterminator near me or ask a neighbor, the same rule helps. Ask before you hire. Good residential pest control providers are glad to answer.
A good answer is specific and patient. It names the method and the areas covered.
Expect a follow-up plan. Some providers return to check bait stations or confirm that activity has stopped. Keep your paperwork in a safe place. It matters if you sell the home later.
Keep firewood and lumber away from the house. Fix leaky gutters and downspouts. Seal gaps where pipes enter the foundation. Keep soil and mulch below wood siding. Dry basements are much harder for termites to love.
A provider checks the basement, framing, and foundation for live activity, old damage, and moisture problems.
You get a plain explanation of what was found, with photos and notes.
Liquid barriers, bait stations, or spot treatments matched to your home and termite type.
A provider can list the work, the products, and any follow-up visits before you agree.
Prices vary by home size, termite type, and method. These are typical U.S. ranges only. Always get a written quote that lists exactly what is included.
| Service | Typical range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Termite inspection | $75 – $300 | Price depends on home size and whether a report is needed |
| Spot treatment | $200 – $900 | For small, limited areas of activity |
| Liquid soil barrier | $1,200 – $2,500 | Treats the soil around the foundation |
| Bait station system | $1,500 – $3,500 | Installed in the ground; needs monitoring visits |
| Whole-structure tenting | $2,000 – $8,000 | Used for drywood termites, less common in cold areas |
| Annual monitoring plan | $200 – $500 | Yearly checks after treatment |
Spot any wings, mud tubes, or soft wood. Take clear photos and leave the area untouched.
Use the form to request an estimate, or request a callback to check provider availability in your area.
A provider checks your home and explains what they see and what it means.
Review the written quote, ask your questions, and choose the plan that fits.
You get simple steps for the first hour, so you can act without panic or guesswork.
Independent providers in our network know the soil, older homes, and weather in your area.
We share what to ask and what to watch for before you agree to any work.
Request an estimate and decide at your own pace, with no obligation.
Tell us what you are seeing. Send a request or request a callback to check provider availability, and a local provider can take it from there.
No obligationTermites have straight antennae, a thick waist, and two wings of equal length. Flying ants have bent antennae, a pinched waist, and uneven wings. Save one insect in a jar and show a provider.
A liquid barrier is often finished in one visit, though large homes may take longer. Bait systems work over several months and need check-ups. Ask your provider for a timeline in writing, since each home is different.
Many policies do not cover termite damage because it is seen as a maintenance issue. Some may cover sudden damage, so check your policy. Providers can often help document damage for a claim.
Tell us what you are seeing. Send a request or request a callback to check provider availability, and a local provider can take it from there.
No obligation