Over the course of several molts, these larvae grow to assume a role in one of the three termite colony castes: workers, soldiers and reproductive termites, also known as alates. This molting process continues throughout a termite’s life cycle based on the colony’s needs. Then, once the termite has reached maturity, its outermost skeleton splits open, and the new exoskeleton enlarges and hardens. First, a termite develops a soft exoskeleton under its current, hard exoskeleton. The termite growth process begins with a process called molting. A nymph is a young termite that is going through molts to become a reproductive. MoltingĮggs hatch into larvae and molt (shed their exoskeletons) to develop into workers, soldiers, primary reproductives and secondary reproductives. EggsĪfter the fertilized queen lays her eggs, they hatch into pale white larvae. The queen and king termites are at the center of the termite life cycle and are responsible for reproduction. These insects then become the king or queen termites of their newly established colonies. After fertilization, winged termites land and shed their wings, going on to form new colonies. The life cycle of the termite begins with a mating flight, wherein swarming winged reproductive males and females leave established colonies and procreate. Reproductives are the only sexually mature members of the colony, aside from queens and kings. Soldiers protect the termite colony using their large mandibles to fend off predators. Workers are responsible for gathering and feeding the colony members, maintaining the nest, and caring for young. Queen termites may survive for over a decae under optimal climate conditions. Workers and soldiers live approximately one to two years. House foundations, furniture, shelves and even books are all possible feeding sites for termites. This ability is what causes concern in human dwellings: while termite workers only measure approximately 1 cm to a few millimeters in length, their feeding habits are capable of causing costly damage to property. Subterranean termites prefer softwoods, but may invade most species of wood.ĭampwood termites generally stay close to the ground, but will choose moist, decaying wood anywhere it is found.ĭrywood termites are often found in and require little moisture in the wood they eat.Ī termite’s mouth is capable of tearing pieces of woody material. Most species prefer dead wood, but some termites feed on living trees.Įach type of termite has its own dietary preferences. Wood makes up the majority of the pests’ diet, although termites also eat other materials such as paper, plastic, and drywall. Termites get nutrients from cellulose, an organic fiber found in wood and plant matter. Termites are detritivores, or detritus feeders. Wood on your home shouldn’t contact the soil Keep firewood, lumber or paper away from foundation or crawl space Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and A/C units These simple steps make your home a less attractive target, helping deter termites. Start by eliminating moisture conditions and termite food around your home. Small steps make a big difference in termite prevention and sustaining an effective termite treatment plan. Since termites are a constant threat to your home, here are some things you can do during the year to help maintain the effectiveness of Orkin’s termite treatment plan.
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