How Many Termites in a Nest?
WouterTermite colonies are highly organized. They are comprised of a king and queen, workers, and reproductives. Depending on the species, the colony can contain millions of termites. A mature colony is a major threat to buildings and structures.
Termites can enter a home through wall cavities, plumbing penetrations, or through the floor. They can also swarm in warmer, humid months. Many species of termites build discrete nests, while others live in colonies with other invertebrates.
The workers are the largest contingent in most colonies. Their roles include foraging for food, caring for eggs, and protecting the colony. They communicate with one another through chemical cues or vibrations. They are soft-bodied, wingless, and have shorter heads than soldiers.
Reproductives, on the other hand, are the future kings and queens of the colony. They begin as wingless nymphs. Then, as they mature, they develop into fully-fledged adults.
When a colony is a few years old, they become less active. In some cases, they die off. However, in other species, the king and queen can live for as long as 15 years. They lay thousands of eggs each day, fertilizing all of the other eggs.
Some species are considered to be more voracious than others. This is due to factors such as the number of insects in the colony, their size, and the environment. Some species are not a problem in homes, while others can eat wood from almost any wooden structure.
The interior of a termite nest is often composed of horizontal chambers or a dome-shaped mound. Usually, the walls of these nests are made of carton material or soil particles. They can also be made of a combination of fecal matter and wood fragments.
