How Long Do Termites Last?
WouterIt’s hard to imagine how long termites live. These creatures are hard-working and fiercely independent. They can be a frightening sight. A queen termite can be around for 25 years. There are many different variables that affect how long a termite colony will last.
A queen termite will lay eggs every day to keep the colony alive. If the primary queen dies, secondary reproductives will take her place. A new queen can be laying eggs before the colony reaches its maximum size.
A termite colony will grow to hundreds of thousands of individuals. A typical colony can eat through a 2-by-4 piece of wood in about five months. These creatures can cause billions of dollars worth of structural damage in the U.S.
Termites are a serious problem. The first indication of an infestation is a dead swarmer. These critters usually lie on window sills or furniture. Occasionally, you will find them on countertops.
Typically, swarms begin to emerge in early spring and remain for about 30 to 40 minutes. The insects will then perish. If you’re experiencing a swarm, you’ll need to contain it. Swarms often occur around windows or sliding glass doors.
The number of colony-mates will also affect how long termites will be around. Larger colonies will eat through more wood. This makes it more difficult to get rid of the infestation. A bait system can be used to speed up the process. You’ll need to replace the baits once they’re empty.
