Termites – Where Are They Found?

Termites, or isopterans, are small, whitish insects that live underground. They are usually found in warm, moist, dark places. They prefer to eat wood, but can also feast on cotton, leaves, and even livestock manure. They build their homes in decaying wood or the soil.

Termite colonies vary in size, from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of members. The size of a colony depends on the type of termite and the environment in which it lives.

Most termites are workers. Their job is to defend the colony and forage for food. They look for cracks and openings in walls, floors, and pipes. They also groom other members of the colony.

The reproductives emerge in swarms after rain. These swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants. Some swarmers land on roofs or buildings. The swarming process is natural and occurs when food supplies run out.

When a colony is established, the termites will have one or more queens. The queens lay hundreds or thousands of eggs. The male reproductives always remain with the queen.

Termite swarms are the first signs of a termite infestation. They are also the most common. Termites can survive for more than a year, but not every one of them will survive to form a new colony.

These insects can be controlled with repellent insecticides or chemical inhibitors. These chemicals are placed inside a bait system and taken back to the colony. They eventually kill the colony.

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