How Far Do Subterranean Termites Travel?
WouterSubterranean termites are insects that live in colonies below the ground. They are usually 1/8 of an inch long and feed on wood. They use their scissor-like jaws to eat wood. Their bodies are dark brown or yellow.
Termite colonies are difficult to destroy. They are hard to detect, and usually live deep in the ground. They can cause extensive damage to structures. A single colony may contain hundreds of thousands of individuals.
Subterranean termite colonies have a caste system. There are workers, reproductives, and soldiers. Reproductives are the most important, as they are responsible for mating. They can live many years and are responsible for the colony’s expansion.
Reproductive termites emerge in a swarm after rain. They have brownish-gray wings. Once they reach a certain size, they start laying eggs. The females are usually the largest.
A colony of subterranean termites can be as large as a football field. Reproductive termites are responsible for feeding, mating, and establishing new colonies. The size of a colony can vary, depending on species. Typically, a mature colony can consist of 60,000 to 2 million workers.
In the spring and summer, subterranean termites have a moderate amount of foraging. However, during very dry seasons in most areas, foraging is minimal. The climate, type of soil, and availability of food affect foraging.
During the winter, a colony may stay underground for 18 to 20 feet. In California, subterranean termites can forage year-round. They are attracted to moisture and can live in moist areas.
