How Far Do Termites Travel Underground?
WouterSubterranean termites are a very destructive type of insect. They are attracted to moist areas, like the soil around your home. They can even enter through cracks in the ground.
The colony can grow to a size of several million individual termites. They can live for up to 25 years. They can also build mud tubes and tunnels to travel and forage for food. They often build these tubes inside wooden structures.
A queen termite lays up to six to twelve eggs within a few days. They then develop into nymphs. During their early stages, they feed on regurgitation. Once they have grown, they mate and create a new colony.
A nymphal worker then cleans and cares for the eggs. These workers are not fully developed physically but they do have pheromones that help them guide other termites.
During the first year of the colony, reproductive termites will only lay a few eggs. During their second year, they will begin to produce thousands of eggs. These termites are known as alates. They are not very good fliers and will only fly short distances.
The main function of the colony is to forage for food. The size of the foraging territory can vary by species. The area can be up to half an acre, but some colonies can forage over a football field. Depending on the species, the foraging territory may change in a few weeks.
The main source of food for subterranean termites is cellulose. They need a constant source of moisture to survive. They are attracted to any concealed areas of moisture, especially around pipes and foundations.
