Quick Reference
Primary Species Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
Classification Insecta / Blattodea / Rhinotermitidae
Colony Size 20,000 to 5 million workers; mature colonies average ~300,000
Worker Size 1/8 inch; soft, cream-colored body
Swarmer Size 1/4 to 1/2 inch; dark brown to black with equal-length wings
Swarm Season March through May in Oklahoma; peak March to April
Swarm Trigger Warm days (soil 70°F+) following rain, typically late morning
Damage Rate A mature colony consumes 2 to 3 grams of wood per day
Entry Gap Can exploit cracks as small as 1/32 inch in foundation
Threat Level High — structural, financial. No direct health risk.
Oklahoma Risk Moderate to heavy statewide; all OKC metro neighborhoods at risk
National Cost $5 billion in damage and control costs per year

Termites are the most destructive structural pest in Oklahoma. Unlike most pest problems, a termite infestation produces no obvious signs until significant damage has already occurred. Workers are soft-bodied, pale, and blind — they tunnel through wood from the inside out, consuming cellulose continuously, 24 hours a day. By the time hollow-sounding baseboards or bubbling paint appear, a colony has typically been active for one to five years.

Oklahoma sits in a moderate to heavy termite activity zone. Oklahoma State University Extension classifies subterranean termites as one of the most economically significant structural pests in the state, with established populations throughout all Oklahoma counties. The red clay soil common in the OKC metro retains moisture well, and subterranean termites require consistent moisture to survive. That combination — plentiful food in the form of wood-frame homes and crawlspace structures, and reliable moisture in the soil — makes Oklahoma City and the surrounding suburbs consistently productive termite territory.

Alpha Pest Solutions provides licensed termite inspections and treatment throughout Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Bethany, Del City, and the surrounding OKC metro. Call or text (405) 977-0678 for a free inspection.

Identifying Termites in Oklahoma

The eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes, is the species responsible for nearly all termite damage in the OKC metro. Understanding the three castes — workers, soldiers, and reproductives (swarmers) — is critical to correct identification.

Workers: 1/8 inch. Cream to white, soft-bodied, no wings, no functional eyes. Workers make up the majority of the colony and do all of the feeding. They are rarely seen unless wood or a mud tube is broken open.

Soldiers: Slightly larger than workers at 3/16 inch. Same cream-colored body, but with a distinctly elongated, orange-tan head and large mandibles (jaws). Soldiers defend the colony and produce an alarm pheromone when disturbed. When you break open damaged wood and see orange-headed insects with large jaws, those are soldiers.

Swarmers (Alates): 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Dark brown to near-black body. Two pairs of wings, equal in length, about twice the body length, and shed after mating. Swarmers are the only caste most homeowners ever see, and they are the primary identification event.

Termites vs. Flying Ants — the Critical Distinction

Termite swarmers are frequently mistaken for flying ants. The treatment and urgency are entirely different, so identification matters.

Feature Termite Swarmer Flying Ant
Wings Equal length, about 2x the body Front wings longer than rear wings
Waist Straight, no pinch Pinched, narrow waist
Antennae Straight, beaded Elbowed
Wing veins Few, simple veins Many, complex veins
Body color Dark brown to black, uniform Variable — black, brown, reddish

Finding a pile of discarded wings — equal-length, papery, all the same size — on a windowsill or floor is a reliable termite indicator. Ants do not shed their wings after mating. A pile of matching wings means swarmers were present and looking for a new nest site.

See our detailed Termites vs. Flying Ants comparison for photos.

Types of Termites Found in Oklahoma

Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) — Primary Species
The dominant termite in Oklahoma and the entire eastern United States. All structural termite damage in the OKC metro is attributable to this species. Lives in underground colonies, requires soil contact or mud tubes for moisture, and attacks wood from below.

Subterranean Termite — full species profile

Formosan Termite (Coptotermes formosanus) — Not Established in Oklahoma
Formosan termites are more aggressive than eastern subterranean termites, with colonies potentially 10 times larger and capable of causing structural damage in months rather than years. They have been documented in Texas but have not established populations in Oklahoma as of current surveillance data. However, infested lumber and wood products are one pathway for introduction, and their range is expanding. We note them here for awareness.

Formosan Termite — species profile and range information

Drywood Termite (Cryptotermes spp.) — Not Established in Oklahoma
Drywood termites do not require soil contact or moisture — they live entirely within the wood they consume. They are not established in Oklahoma but can arrive in imported wooden furniture, antiques, or wine crates. Signs differ from subterranean termites: drywood termites produce distinct hexagonal fecal pellets (frass) that accumulate below infested wood and do not build mud tubes.

Drywood Termite — species profile and how to identify imported infestations

Diet, Behavior, and Habitat

Termites consume cellulose — the structural carbohydrate in wood, paper, cardboard, and plant fiber. Everything in a typical Oklahoma home that contains cellulose is a potential food source: wood framing, subfloor, joists, window frames, door frames, trim, insulation facing, and even paper-backed drywall.

Foraging behavior. Workers forage continuously from the central nest, traveling through soil and inside mud tubes. A mature colony can maintain multiple foraging trails covering thousands of square feet of soil. They work 24 hours a day regardless of season, though activity near the surface slows during extreme cold.

Moisture dependence. Eastern subterranean termites cannot survive without moisture. Workers have no cuticle protection against desiccation. The soil-connected nest maintains the moisture gradient the colony requires. This is why termites build mud tubes when crossing from soil to exposed wood above grade — the tube maintains humidity.

Soil temperature. Foraging activity tracks soil temperature. Oklahoma’s moderate winters push colonies deeper but rarely stop them entirely. The spring surge in mud tube construction and swarming activity occurs as soil temps rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, typically March to April in the OKC metro.

Silent feeding. Termites hollow wood from the inside, leaving a thin outer layer intact. Infested structural lumber can retain almost all of its apparent external integrity while being almost entirely consumed inside. This is why standard home inspections miss active infestations and why termites rarely announce themselves until damage is advanced.

Life Cycle and Reproduction

Colony founding. Mated pairs (dealates — swarmers who have shed their wings) excavate a small chamber in the soil and begin laying eggs. The queen lays 5,000 to 10,000 eggs per year. Initial colony growth is slow: the first few hundred workers take years to establish. A colony typically requires 5 or more years to grow to a size capable of causing significant structural damage.

Colony maturity and scale. A mature colony contains 20,000 to several million workers. The average established colony is approximately 300,000 individuals. Multiple colonies can co-exist beneath a single structure, which is why apparent re-infestation after treatment sometimes reflects a separate adjacent colony rather than treatment failure.

Swarming — the visible event. Swarming is the colony’s reproductive event. When a colony reaches maturity and conditions are right, it produces winged reproductives (alates) that emerge in large numbers to find mates and establish new colonies. In Oklahoma, swarming occurs March through May, peaking in late March to April. The trigger is warmth and humidity following rain, typically in the late morning.

A swarm inside a structure means the colony is established inside or directly against the structure. A swarm on the exterior does not necessarily confirm interior infestation, but it warrants inspection of the structure’s perimeter, foundation, and crawlspace.

Swarm duration. A single swarm event lasts 30 to 40 minutes. The dead swarmers and discarded wings left behind — especially on windowsills where swarmers are attracted to light — are the primary evidence most homeowners find.

What Attracts Termites to Oklahoma Homes

Termites do not seek out specific homes by species recognition — they encounter food and water opportunistically through foraging. The conditions that concentrate termite pressure against a particular structure include:

Soil-to-wood contact. The most direct invitation. Wood form boards left in contact with soil after construction, untreated wood sill plates at grade level, landscape timbers adjacent to the foundation, wood mulch piled against siding — all reduce the barrier between soil colonies and structural wood.

Moisture and drainage problems. OKC’s red clay soil holds water. Downspouts that drain toward the foundation, improper grade that slopes toward the structure, condensation from HVAC equipment, plumbing leaks under slabs — all create the moisture gradient termites need to extend foraging range toward the structure.

Crawlspace homes. Crawlspace construction is prevalent in Norman (especially near the OU campus), Heritage Hills and Mesta Park in OKC, Del City, Bethany, and Midwest City. A crawlspace creates a protected, humid environment directly beneath the floor system — a highly favorable foraging zone. Inadequate crawlspace ventilation compounds moisture. Crawlspace homes with wood debris from original construction left on the soil are among the highest-risk structures in the metro.

Slab-on-grade construction. Slab homes appear safer but are not. Expansion joints and control joints in concrete slabs are entry points. Research has documented that 83 percent of subterranean termite entries into slab-on-grade structures occur through expansion joints. Post-construction shrinkage cracks, utility penetrations through the slab, and any gap where plumbing or conduit passes through concrete provide access. OKC’s post-WWII suburban expansion produced thousands of slab homes in the 50- to 75-year range — old enough for original termite treatments to have long expired.

Expired termite treatment. Liquid soil treatments applied at construction typically provide 5 to 10 years of protection. Most homes built in the OKC metro before 2010 have no active termite protection unless a retreatment or bait station program has been maintained.

Firewood and wood debris. Firewood stacked against the foundation, construction debris, untreated railroad ties used in landscaping, and scrap lumber in crawlspaces all feed active colonies and concentrate them near the structure.

Where Termites Are Found in the OKC Metro

Termite pressure is present throughout the OKC metro. These areas have documented concentration:

Midwest City and Del City. High density of 1950s to 1970s slab-on-grade construction. Many homes in this age range have exceeded the useful life of original soil treatments. Termite activity in this corridor is consistent and well-documented.

Norman. Mixed slab and crawlspace construction, with the older neighborhoods near OU campus (Norman Transcript area, Flood Avenue corridor, parts of East Main) having significant crawlspace stock. Older homes in these neighborhoods frequently have expired treatments and wood-soil contact from original construction.

Heritage Hills, Mesta Park, and Central OKC. These established neighborhoods contain some of the oldest housing stock in the metro — many homes dating to the 1910s through 1940s. Crawlspace construction is common. Any structure this age with original wood framing and no documented treatment history should be considered a high-risk inspection candidate.

Bethany and The Village. Mid-century slab construction, aging wood trim and exterior framing, frequent soil contact from mature landscaping. Termite activity in Bethany and The Village is reported consistently.

Edmond. Newer construction (1990s and later) is lower risk but not zero risk. Older Edmond neighborhoods, particularly in southeast Edmond, have the age and construction profile that warrants inspection.

Nichols Hills. Older, well-maintained homes with substantial wood framing and mature landscaping. Termite pressure in Nichols Hills is consistent with heritage neighborhood profiles throughout the metro.

Where Termites Are Found Inside Homes

Because eastern subterranean termites require soil contact, they enter structures from below. Primary infestation zones:

Subfloor and joists (crawlspace homes). The most common termite damage in Oklahoma crawlspace structures occurs in the floor system directly above the crawlspace. Joists, sill plates, and subfloor panels are first contact. Damage here can be extensive before any interior sign appears.

Slab perimeter framing. In slab construction, the wood framing closest to the slab edge — bottom plates of exterior walls, door threshold framing, window sill framing — is where initial damage appears.

Interior trim and baseboards. After exhausting the structural wood immediately above the entry point, termites move upward into wall framing and eventually appear at interior trim and baseboard level. Bubbling or peeling paint and hollow-sounding walls are advanced damage indicators.

Expansion joints and utility penetrations. Where plumbing comes through the slab — under kitchen and bathroom cabinets, at utility closets, at HVAC equipment pads — termites enter directly from below into framing and cabinet interiors.

Attached garage framing. Garage sill plates are frequently close to or in contact with grade. Garage wall framing and the common wall shared between garage and living space are productive foraging targets.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Mud tubes. The primary indicator of subterranean termite activity. Pencil-diameter (1/4 to 1 inch) tubes of soil particles, wood particles, and feces built on foundation walls, piers, wood posts, and any surface bridging soil and wood. Mud tubes may travel straight up a foundation wall or run horizontally across a concrete surface to reach wood framing.

Swarmers and discarded wings. Winged termites emerging inside the home — from walls, floors, window frames — indicate the colony is either inside the structure or immediately adjacent. Equal-length wings piled on windowsills are the post-swarm evidence. Swarmers are commonly mistaken for flying ants; see the comparison section above.

Hollow or damaged wood. Tapping structural lumber with a hard object — a screwdriver handle, a coin — produces a dull, hollow sound when internal galleries are present. Probing with a sharp tool easily punctures termite-damaged wood; sound wood resists the probe.

Stuck windows and doors. Termite damage to door and window framing compresses and warps the wood, causing windows and doors to stick or not close properly. This symptom is frequently attributed to settling or seasonal wood expansion before termites are suspected.

Bubbling or peeling paint. Paint that bubbles, peels, or appears water-damaged on wood surfaces without a visible moisture source suggests termite galleries immediately beneath the surface.

Frass (drywood termites only). Hexagonal, hard fecal pellets accumulating below wooden furniture or inside wooden structures indicate drywood termites. Subterranean termites do not produce visible frass — they incorporate excrement into their mud tubes.

How to Tell If the Infestation Is Active

Break the mud tube. Find a mud tube on the foundation. Break a 1-inch section out of the middle. Check back in 24 to 48 hours. If the gap has been repaired, the colony is active and the tube is in current use. An unrepaired tube after 72 hours may indicate an abandoned tube from a previous colony — but does not rule out activity elsewhere.

Inspect for fresh mud. Active mud tubes appear moist and uniform. Abandoned tubes dry out, crack, and develop a bleached appearance.

Probe damaged wood. Fresh termite galleries are clean-walled and may contain live workers. Old, abandoned galleries are dry, gray, and empty.

Timing. Termite inspection in Oklahoma is most productive in March through May when surface activity is highest. However, active infestations can be confirmed year-round by experienced inspectors. Do not wait for swarm season to schedule an inspection if other signs are present.

Termite Season in Oklahoma

March to May — swarm season and peak surface activity. The primary identification window. As soil temperatures rise above 70 degrees Fahrenheit, typically in late March, established colonies produce swarmers and surface activity peaks. Mud tube construction resumes at grade level. This is when most Oklahoma homeowners discover they have a termite problem.

June to September — subsurface activity continues. Swarm season ends but foraging continues. Workers in established infestations are consuming structural wood through the summer. No visible surface signs during this period does not mean the colony has stopped.

October to November — soil temperature drop. Foraging range contracts toward the central nest as soils cool. Late fall is a practical inspection window because disturbed areas in soil and around the foundation may show evidence of recent activity before winter consolidation.

December to February — reduced surface activity. Cold weather pushes activity deeper. Colonies do not die — they consolidate. Termite treatment can be performed year-round in Oklahoma; liquid soil treatment effectiveness is not significantly reduced by winter soil conditions in the OKC metro.

Property and Structural Damage

Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in damage and control costs in the United States annually. Homeowners who discover active infestations spend an average of $3,000 on repairs for moderate damage. Structural repairs involving load-bearing members, subfloor replacement, or joists run $5,000 to $15,000 or more.

The critical factor is time. A mature colony consuming 2 to 3 grams of wood per day causes less damage in six months than it does over five years. Early detection and treatment is the difference between a manageable treatment cost and a structural repair bill.

Homeowner’s insurance does not cover termite damage. Standard homeowner’s policies explicitly exclude damage from insects, including termites. Treatment and repair costs are entirely out-of-pocket unless the homeowner carries a termite warranty or service contract.

Crawlspace joist damage. Termite-damaged floor joists are the most common structural termite damage in Oklahoma. Joists compromised by termite feeding lose load-bearing capacity. The floor above becomes soft, springy, or uneven before the homeowner connects the symptom to termites.

Sill plate damage. The sill plate — the horizontal lumber sitting directly on the foundation — is the most vulnerable piece of wood in slab-on-grade construction. Sill plate damage requires sistering or replacement of the affected section.

Drywall damage. Termites consume the paper facing of drywall. Bubbling, peeling, or discolored drywall with no moisture source nearby is worth investigating.

Prevention

Termite prevention is largely about reducing the conditions that concentrate colony activity against the structure. These steps matter most in Oklahoma:

  1. Eliminate soil-to-wood contact. Raise wood framing, trim, and siding at least 6 inches above grade. Remove wood form boards left at grade from previous construction. Replace wood landscape borders with metal or composite materials.
  2. Manage moisture at the foundation. Direct downspouts at least 4 feet away from the foundation. Correct any grade that drains toward the structure. Fix dripping hose bibs and HVAC condensate lines that discharge against the foundation.
  3. Ventilate the crawlspace. Maintain cross-ventilation in crawlspaces. Address standing water. Consider a vapor barrier if not already present. A dry crawlspace is a significantly less hospitable foraging environment.
  4. Remove wood debris from the crawlspace. Construction scrap left on crawlspace soil from original building or previous renovations feeds active colonies and concentrates activity under the floor system.
  5. Relocate firewood. Store firewood at least 20 feet from the structure and off the ground. Firewood stacked against the foundation is a documented termite concentration point.
  6. Seal utility penetrations. Seal gaps around plumbing and conduit where they pass through slabs and stem walls with appropriate sealant. Expansion joints at slab edges are a primary entry pathway and can be treated with barrier applications.
  7. Maintain active termite protection. If your home has no documented termite treatment or the treatment is more than 10 years old, schedule an inspection. Liquid treatments expire. Bait station programs require annual maintenance to remain effective.

How Alpha Pest Solutions Treats Termites

We inspect first. Every job starts with a thorough inspection of the foundation perimeter, crawlspace, accessible structural framing, and any mud tube activity. We identify all active areas, locate entry points, and assess damage before recommending treatment.

We offer two primary treatment approaches:

Liquid Barrier Treatment. We apply a liquid termiticide to the soil surrounding the structure — along the foundation perimeter, under slabs at entry points, and in the crawlspace. The treatment creates a chemical barrier in the soil that termites encounter as they forage toward the structure. Workers carry the material back to the colony, eliminating the colony over several weeks. Properly applied, liquid treatment protects the structure for 5 to 10 years.

Bait Monitoring System. Bait stations installed around the perimeter intercept foraging termites, who consume the bait and carry it to the colony. Bait systems work more slowly than liquid treatment but eliminate the colony rather than simply blocking access. We recommend bait systems where liquid treatment is impractical, where soil conditions limit liquid application, or where a complete colony elimination approach is preferred.

We tell you what we found, what it means, and what it takes to fix it. If we find evidence of an active infestation, we treat it. If we don’t find evidence, we’ll tell you that honestly and we won’t charge you for treatment you don’t need. Call or text (405) 977-0678 for a free inspection.

Treatment Timeline and Expectations

Liquid treatment: Termites in the treated zone die within weeks of initial contact. Activity at mud tubes and entry points visible to inspection ceases. However, termites foraging from distant parts of the colony not yet in contact with the treated soil may still be active for up to 90 days after treatment. A follow-up inspection at 30 to 90 days confirms treatment effectiveness.

Bait treatment: Colony elimination via baiting takes longer — typically 3 to 6 months for a mature colony to be reduced to a non-damaging population level. Stations are checked quarterly. Bait consumption is monitored and stations are refilled as needed.

What normal looks like after treatment: Residual termite activity near entry points for up to several weeks is expected and does not indicate treatment failure. Dead workers and damaged mud tubes in the treated zone confirm termites encountered the treatment.

What warrants a call back: Active mud tube construction more than 90 days after liquid treatment, or new swarmer emergence in spring following treatment, warrants investigation. We stand behind our work.

Annual inspection. Regardless of treatment type, an annual termite inspection confirms no new activity and catches reinfestation early. Oklahoma homes should be inspected every 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a termite swarm look like in Oklahoma?

A swarm is a sudden emergence of dozens to hundreds of dark-winged insects from a wall, floor, or foundation area. In Oklahoma, this happens on warm afternoons in March or April, usually after a rain. Swarmers are attracted to light, so they congregate at windows. The swarm lasts 30 to 40 minutes, after which the insects die or disappear. What remains is a pile of discarded wings — equal-length, papery, all the same size — typically on the windowsill or floor below.

I found termite swarmers inside my house. How bad is it?

Swarmers inside the home mean the colony is established either inside the structure or directly against it. It does not tell you the extent of damage, but it confirms active infestation. Get an inspection scheduled promptly — call or text (405) 977-0678.

Are termites active year-round in Oklahoma?

Yes. Eastern subterranean termites forage year-round in Oklahoma. Visible surface activity — mud tube construction, swarming — is concentrated in spring. But the colony feeds continuously through summer, fall, and winter. Cold weather slows surface activity but does not stop feeding in the structural wood.

Do termites come back after treatment?

Properly applied liquid treatment protects a structure for 5 to 10 years. Re-infestation within that window typically indicates a missed entry point, a new colony from an adjacent area, or a treatment that was not properly applied. We warranty our work and stand behind it.

How can I tell if my home has termites right now?

The fastest self-check: walk the foundation perimeter and look for mud tubes — pencil-diameter tubes of soil running up the foundation wall, piers, or from the soil to any wood. Check crawlspace access and look at sill plates and joists for the first few feet from the foundation. Tap wood in suspect areas — hollow sounds are the indicator. If you find any of these, call for an inspection.

What does termite damage look like?

Structurally, termite-damaged wood is hollow. A screwdriver probes easily into what should be solid lumber. Cosmetically, the first signs are often stuck windows or doors (framing damage), bubbling paint on wood surfaces (galleries just below), or a floor that feels soft or springy underfoot (joist damage). Many homeowners discover termite damage during renovation when walls or floors are opened.

Will termites leave on their own?

No. Without intervention, a termite colony continues foraging indefinitely. They do not move on after consuming one area — they expand. Colonies that establish access to a structure will continue feeding until the food source is exhausted or a barrier is created.

I have a slab foundation. Am I at risk?

Yes. Slab-on-grade construction is not termite-proof. Research documents that 83 percent of subterranean termite entries into slab structures occur through expansion joints — the intentional cracks in concrete slabs. Plumbing penetrations, utility conduit, and post-construction shrinkage cracks are additional entry points. Slab homes require the same inspection diligence as crawlspace homes.

My neighbor just had termites treated. Should I be concerned?

Yes. Termite colonies can cover thousands of square feet of soil. A colony treated at one property may have active foraging occurring under adjacent properties. If your neighbor’s treatment is a recent event and your home is in close proximity, scheduling an inspection is a reasonable precaution.

How much does termite treatment cost?

Treatment cost varies based on structure size, construction type, and method. We provide a specific quote after inspection — we do not quote termite treatment over the phone without seeing the structure. Inspections are free. Call or text (405) 977-0678 to schedule.

Does homeowner’s insurance cover termite damage?

No. Standard homeowner’s insurance policies explicitly exclude damage from insects, including termites. Termite damage repair and treatment are entirely out-of-pocket costs. This is why early detection matters — minor treatment now is significantly less expensive than structural repairs later.

What is the difference between a liquid treatment and a bait system?

Liquid treatment applies termiticide to the soil around the structure, creating a chemical barrier. Termites contacting the treated zone die and carry the material back to the colony. Bait systems place stations around the perimeter that intercept foraging workers, who carry bait back to the colony. Liquid treatment acts faster. Bait systems eliminate the colony at its source but take longer. We recommend the approach based on the specific structure and situation.

How long does termite treatment take?

A liquid perimeter treatment on an average single-family home is completed in 3 to 6 hours, including drilling where required at slabs. Bait station installation takes 1 to 2 hours. You can remain in the home during liquid treatment; the application is to the exterior soil.

How do I know if a termite treatment was actually done correctly?

A properly completed liquid treatment includes trench-and-treat along the foundation perimeter (digging a 6-inch trench adjacent to the foundation, applying termiticide, and backfilling), drilling through slabs at construction joints and utility penetrations, and rodding in crawlspaces. We document every treatment with a completion report.

What is a mud tube and what does it mean?

A mud tube is a tunnel constructed by worker termites from soil particles, wood particles, and feces. It allows termites to travel from soil to wood above grade while maintaining the humidity they require. A mud tube on your foundation means an active colony is present and foraging toward the structure. If you find a mud tube, break a small section out of the middle and check back in 24 to 48 hours. If it is repaired, the colony is active.

Can I treat termites myself?

Over-the-counter products do not penetrate deep enough to reach the colony or create a soil barrier sufficient to protect a structure. Liquid termiticide application requires licensed equipment, proper concentration, and correct application at expansion joints and penetrations. DIY bait station products are available but have lower active ingredient concentrations and no professional monitoring. For structural protection, professional treatment is the practical standard.

What is the difference between subterranean, Formosan, and drywood termites?

Subterranean termites are the only species established in Oklahoma. They live underground, require soil moisture, and enter structures from below via mud tubes or soil contact. Formosan termites are a more aggressive subterranean species that have reached Texas but have not established in Oklahoma. Drywood termites live inside wood without soil contact and are not established in Oklahoma, though they occasionally arrive in imported furniture.

I see winged insects — how do I know if they are termites or ants?

Check the wings: termite swarmers have two pairs of equal-length wings, about twice the body length. Flying ants have front wings noticeably longer than rear wings. Check the waist: termites have a straight body with no waist constriction. Ants have a narrow, pinched waist. Check the antennae: termite antennae are straight and beaded. Ant antennae are elbowed. If you can collect a specimen (dead from the swarm), we can identify it at inspection.

Do I need a termite inspection when buying a home in Oklahoma?

Yes. Oklahoma is in a moderate to heavy termite activity zone, and many older homes in the OKC metro have expired original treatments or no documented treatment history at all. A standard home inspection does not include a thorough termite inspection. We recommend a separate termite inspection from a licensed pest professional before closing on any OKC metro property.

How do termites get into a house through concrete?

Termites cannot eat concrete, but they do not need to. Expansion joints in concrete slabs are designed gaps — termites enter through them. Post-construction shrinkage cracks, gaps where plumbing passes through slabs, and any space where the concrete does not form a continuous seal are pathways. Research has documented that approximately 83 percent of subterranean termite entries into slab structures occur through expansion joints.

How long has a termite infestation been going on if I just found it?

There is no precise answer without a full inspection, but context provides estimates. Mud tubes on the foundation perimeter indicate active foraging that began at least weeks to months ago. A mature swarm means the colony has been established long enough to produce reproductives — typically 3 to 5 years minimum from colony founding. Structural damage visible to inspection without opening walls suggests multiple years of activity. Annual inspections are the only reliable early detection method.

Related Services and Pests

Get a Free Termite Inspection in Oklahoma City

Termites work quietly. By the time you notice something, the damage has typically been building for years. The most reliable protection is a professional inspection on a schedule — not waiting for a swarm.

If you found mud tubes, wings after a swarm, hollow-sounding wood, or you are buying a home in the OKC metro and want it inspected before closing, call or text Alpha Pest Solutions at (405) 977-0678. Inspections are free. We serve Oklahoma City, Edmond, Norman, Moore, Midwest City, Bethany, Del City, Nichols Hills, The Village, and the surrounding OKC metro. Monday through Friday, 8am to 6pm.