How Large Are Termite Colonies?
Termite colonies vary in size from two individuals to hundreds of thousands or millions of insects. The average colony has about 500,000 insects. These insects include nymphs, reproductives, and soldiers.
Termite colonies typically consist of a queen, king, and workers. A queen and king can live up to ten years. The king and queen are responsible for starting the colony, producing eggs, and caring for the nymphs and other eggs within the colony.
Termite colonies are built underground. They excavate huge amounts of soil over thousands of years to form cone-shaped mounds. These mounds range in size from thirty feet across to over four hundred feet.
Subterranean termites can be very damaging to the ground around homes. They can chew through PVC pipes, thin metal sheets, and wood in contact with the ground. In order to maintain its health, a termite colony must have constant access to water. During cold winters, activity is reduced. It may take three to eight years to eliminate the damage caused by a termite infestation.
Subterranean termites nest in moist soil. They are most common in North America. They are moderately aggressive. They feed on anything that is cellulosic, including animal dung, paper, and wood.
In the US, subterranean termites cause an estimated $2 billion in damage every year. They can also tunnel through wooden structural members in buildings, creating a serious threat in virtually every state.
The smallest termite colony is the Drywood Termite. It can be found in inland areas in mountainous regions of the country. The Drywood Termite colony consists of about 4,800 termites.