Table of Contents
What Is A Termite?
Termites are household pests and social creatures. These bugs cooperate with one another to obtain water, food, and shelter. Once their colony begins reproducing and thriving, termites will begin building new colonies. They feed on cellulose found in plants, lumber, paper, cardboard, furniture, and cotton fibers.
As the colony grows, the termite mounds and nests around your home will get bigger and bigger. Once you’ve found an oversized termite mound, you know you have a serious problem. You need to remedy this problem as quickly as possible. It is estimated that subterranean termites cause 95% of the approximate $2 billion damages in the United States each year.
Termite Type & Responsibility
Queen – Termite queens are the largest termite in the colony. They grow nearly 4” in length. If the termite queen needs to move, she’ll need assistance from several hundred worker termites. She is responsible for laying eggs and creating new colonies. A termite queen can live as long as ten years. During that time, she will lay up to 30,000 eggs each day.
King – The termite king is responsible for helping the queen establish the colony. The king will continue mating so ensure that the colony population can grow steadily.
Workers – Workers termites have light, soft bodies. They do not have wings with most measuring 10mm in length. Worker termites usually do not leave the colony’s tunnels and continue working 24 hours a day. They perform many duties, including caring for termite eggs, building tunnels, finding food, and feed other termites.
Soldiers – Soldier termites are white and wingless with soft bodies. They have powerful jaws that are used against predators. Soldier termites defend their colony against ants and other invaders.
Winged – Then, you have winged reproductive termites. They can be male and female. They’re responsible for producing offspring and helping the colony grow. These termites will leave their primary colony when attempting to start new colonies.
Why Type Of Termites Do I Have?
In your area, you’re likely going to encounter termites belonging to the Subterranean family.
Subterranean Family Overview
These termite colonies are organized depending on the termite’s duties. For instance, some are workers while others are soldiers. The size of the termite depends on its respective role. Worker subterranean termites are typically 1/8 to 3/8ths of an inch. Soldiers reach the same size, but they have powerful jaws with a large brown head. Reproductive termites of this family grow up to ½ inch.
Behavior
Subterranean termites build colonies underground. Alternatively, they may live in moist, secluded colonies above ground. They will build mud tubes to help them gain access to nearby food sources while also protecting themselves from open air. These termites swarm in spring when the group’s reproductive termites begin working to build new colonies.
Primary Threats
This family of termites is the most destructive. They have hard jaws that are used to chew wood. They will chew off small wood fragments by targeting one piece at a time. If left untreated, termites will cause intense property damage to your home.
Flying Ants Vs. Termites
Common Termite Facts
- Termites eat around the clock.
- A termite colony can survive for as long as 70 years.
- In the United States, the average colony will include 500,000 insects.
- Termites are beneficial because they help get rid of deadwood in forests.
- They need constant access to water or they will die.
- Termites build mud tunnels around the ground and keep it wet with water.
- With the right solution, you can get rid of all termites.
- There are roughly 40 termite species in the United States.
- Subterranean termites are found throughout the United States except for the state of Alaska.
- Most termite damage in the United States is caused by subterranean termites.
- These termites will not be able to chew through termite.
- The entire termite population in the world is heavier than that of humans.
- A termite queen can live more than 20 years.
Are Termites Dangerous?
Termites are not dangerous to humans, but you’ll still want to get rid of them immediately. They won’t bite or transmit diseases. Still, they’re going to ruin your home. If they cause serious structural damage, your home may not be safe. You need to get rid of your termites because the problem worsens.