Can Termites Be Tiny Insects That Live in the Soil?
Termites are tiny insects that live in the soil. They feed on wood and other plant materials and can cause serious damage to your home. Their numbers vary from hundreds of thousands to millions. If you think your house is infested, consider contacting a pest control professional to get a diagnosis. They can determine the type of termite and how to treat the infestation.
Termites can enter your home through foundation cracks and other small holes. They’re also attracted to moisture. They may swarm after rainstorms. They will leave behind black droppings and dark powder.
Termites live in colonies that are hundreds of thousands to millions of members. The colony contains three main social castes. The largest is the worker. Workers do the majority of the work in the colony, other than reproduction and defense. These individuals find their way around by following pheromone trails.
The next caste is the soldier. These are smaller than the king, but still larger than the worker. They are equipped with sticky fluids to defend the colony. They have enlarged mandibles and pinchers that are similar to bull ants.
Termites are usually found in warm, humid environments. They prefer to feed on living or dead wood, but will also chew on asphalt, foam and thin metals. If you see signs of a colony, have a termite inspector inspect your home.
The most common species of termites are the western subterranean and eastern subterranean. They can be as large as 1 inch in size.