How Fast Do Termites Work?
Termites are a serious and damaging insect pest. They can infest homes and cause expensive damage. There are several factors that can affect the speed at which a termite infestation develops. These include the species, environmental conditions, the size of the colony, and the type of wood.
The life cycle of termites can take two to fifty years. The king and queen must reproduce numerous times before the colony can reach full maturity.
A termite colony can consist of over a million members. This includes a king and queen, reproductive termites, workers, and nymphs. These creatures work together to produce food and maintain the colony.
Termites will feed on anything that contains cellulose. This includes paperboard and wood. They also will eat wood that comes in contact with the soil. If your home has been damaged by termites, check the wood surfaces for signs of damage. You can use a sharp object to find any damage, which will show if the termite colony has been able to pierce the wood.
Most termites will eat only one piece of wood at a time, but in a larger colony, they can eat a few kilograms of wood per month. A large colony can eat as much as one pound of wood every 24 hours.
Termites are attracted to moisture and warmth, but they can survive in a variety of environments. Termite colonies are most effective in hot, humid climates. A less humid environment will cause the structure to dry out, and termites will be more likely to die.