How Fast Termites Multiply
Termites multiply at a rapid pace. They have a hierarchical colony system. They live in the soil and burrow deep into the ground. They are attracted to moisture sources and light sources. Their pheromones are used to regulate the life of the colony. They also have antennae and clearly visible heads.
Termite colonies can reach millions of individuals. They are made up of three different castes. These are the king, queen, and workers. The king and queen are responsible for the initial growth of the colony.
During the first two years, the colony grows slowly. By the third year, the colony has 400 termites. The nymphal worker provides care for the younger siblings. This class also cleans the eggs.
As the colony matures, the workers go out to find cellulose and moisture. They signal the colony when they find these resources. They are then transformed into soldiers or reproductives.
The workers and reproductives can produce more than 2,000 eggs a day. They can also live for more than 25 years. The older the queen, the more eggs she produces. The alates, on the other hand, do not reproduce. They become food for birds or other animals.
A single termite will consume 2% of its body weight in wood daily. Depending on the species, the colony can eat up to 5 kilograms of wood a month. This could cause serious structural damage to a home within a few months.
The size of a colony also has a bearing on the amount of damage it can do. A large colony can eat up to 600 pounds of wood a year.