Are Termites a Pest?
WouterTermites are small insects that live underground. They feed on cellulose material found in plant roots, decayed wood, and other wood debris. They live in colonies, and their colonies are similar to ant colonies.
A termite colony can consist of several different forms or castes. They include workers, soldiers, and reproductives.
Worker termites are the largest group, and they are responsible for foraging for food, caring for young, and protecting the colony. They are wingless and light caramel in color. Their bodies are soft, and they have straight antennae.
A termite colony can contain hundreds of thousands of members. They are active year-round, and they attack wooden structures. They will travel inside heated basements during the winter months.
Unlike ants, termites do not bite people. They are a major pest in the United States, causing more than $2 billion in damage each year. There are over 40 species of termites in the United States. Depending on the species, they can live in soil, under wooden posts, or in wood.
A subterranean termite colony may contain dozens of termite swarmers, and hundreds of thousands of nymphs. These termites travel through mud tubes, which they construct to reach their food source. The mud tubes are common around window sills and wooden posts.
Formosan termites are one of the most destructive species. They can feed on any material containing cellulose, such as paper, cotton, leather, and wood. They prefer dark areas to avoid predators.
