How Common Are Termites in Pennsylvania?

Termites are wood-eating insects that live in colonies. They eat structural wood, which is found in homes, businesses and other buildings. Termites can cause up to five billion dollars in property damage in the United States every year. A single colony can eat up to one thousand pounds of wood per year. They have been known to eat away at wooden structural beams, joists, subflooring, and other wood in homes.

The eastern subterranean termite is the most common species of termite in Pennsylvania. It is a social pest, meaning that it lives in colonies. These colonies can have hundreds of thousands of termites. They can also contain kings and queens, which are black or dark brown in color. Their wings are translucent and about half an inch in length. The queen and king are responsible for continuing to populate the colony.

During the spring, swarmers (also called alates) emerge from the colony. Swarmers are attracted to light and are often found near windows and doors. These winged reproductive termites are very similar to flying ants.

Reproductive termites search for moist, warm environments in which to start a new colony. They also look for mates. They may swarm on the inside of a house, but are generally more active outside. The reproductive termites usually emerge between February and June.

The eastern subterranean worker termite is a small, soft-bodied insect. The worker termites are blind. They work 24 hours a day. They have straight antennae, a narrow waist, and elbowed claws.

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