Small, social insects living in large colonies
are known for their ability to eat wood,
often referred to as “silent destroyers” because they can cause a lot of damage without being detected.
They can be white, brown, or black, depending on their role in the colony. Worker termites are usually lighter in colour, while soldiers and reproductive termites (swarmers) are darker. Unlike ants, termites do not have a narrow, pinched waist.
Where do Termites come from?
Termites are found all over the world, particularly in warm, humid climates. They originate from their colonies, which can be located in the soil, wood, or above-ground structures. Termites can enter homes through tiny gaps in the foundation.
What do Termites eat?
Termites eat cellulose, which is found in wood, paper, and plants. This makes them very harmful to buildings because they eat wood from the inside, often leaving just a thin layer of wood or paint on the outside.
Where do Termites live?
Termites live in groups called colonies, which can be found in soil, wood, or buildings. They create complex tunnels to move between their nest and food. Subterranean termites build nests in the soil and use mud tubes to get to their food, while drywood termites live inside the wood they eat.
Lifecycle of Termites
Termites go through three main stages in their lifecycle: egg, nymph, and adult.
Egg: Termite queens lay eggs, which hatch into tiny nymphs.
Nymph: Nymphs are young termites that gradually grow and molt (shed their skin) several times.
Adult: Once fully developed, termites become adults and take on specific roles:
Types of Termites
In the USA, about 45 species of termites are found. They are mainly classified into three types: Subterranean termites, Drywood termites, and Dampwood termites.
Chemical treatments: termiticides can be applied to the soil around your home to create a barrier that kills termites.
Bait systems: bait stations are placed around the property to attract and poison termites, gradually eliminating the colony.
Professional services: Hiring a termite control professional ensures thorough inspection, treatment, and monitoring.
How do we stop termites from spreading?
Reduce moisture: Fix leaks and maintain proper ventilation to reduce moisture, which attracts termites.
Remove wood contact with soil: Keep wood away from direct contact with soil to prevent termites from accessing it.
Regular inspections: Inspect your home for signs of termites to catch infestations early.
Yes, termites can be very harmful. They damage wooden structures, leading to expensive repairs and even making buildings unsafe. The damage is often not noticeable until it gets awful, so it's important to detect and prevent termite problems early.
Termites with wings (alates) are reproductive members of the colony. They leave the nest in large groups to mate and establish new colonies.
Termites vary in size, typically ranging from 1/8 inch to 1 inch in length.
Termites consume wood, which can weaken and destroy wooden structures in houses, potentially leading to structural damage and costly repairs.
Certain chemicals, such as termiticides and boric acid, can kill termites on contact. However, professional termite control is recommended for thorough extermination.
Signs include mud tubes on walls or foundations, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings near windows or doors, and frass (termite droppings).
While uncommon, if your bed is made of wood and there is a termite infestation nearby, they could potentially damage it. Contact expert termite exterminator services if you suspect a termite infestation in your bed.
Termites rarely bite humans; their primary threat is to wooden structures.
Inspect the roof for signs of damage, apply appropriate termiticide, and ensure any leaks are fixed to reduce moisture.
Use bait systems or direct chemical treatments and consult a professional for a thorough removal.
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