How Small Are the Smallest Termites?
WouterTermite sizes vary by species. Some species are very small while others can be as large as one inch. But most species are between 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.
Formosan termites are subterranean and are about the size of a half-inch. Their nests can grow very large.
Workers and swarmers are two of the main social castes in a termite colony. The termite king and queen are the center of the nest. They help care for the young. They also excavate the nest site. These colonies can contain up to 2 million members.
A worker is the smallest member of a colony. It is a blind, wingless insect that feeds on wood and other materials. It lives for a short period of time, but remains in the colony for most of its life. It is the basic building block of the colony. It grows in size as it matures.
Reproductive termites are very similar to workers, except they have wings. They are usually 10-20% larger than workers. They burrow underground and begin reproducing. They may be found outside the nest.
Termite swarms are very common and can enter a home through the ceiling or guttering. They can be very dangerous. They can chew through wallpaper and wood. They can also cause serious structural damage to buildings. They are often confused with flying ants. They are attracted to light. They can form great clouds. Birds and bats are also attracted to them.
