Where Do Termites Come From?
WouterTermites are one of the most destructive insects in the world. They eat wood and can cause millions of dollars in damage. They invade homes, farms, churches and more. They are found in 49 states. They are mainly a problem in the western states. However, there are species that infest homes in the northern part of the United States.
Termites are a type of social cockroach. They live in colonies similar to ants. Their life cycle starts with an egg laid by a queen. The king and queen of the colony share labor and care for the young. The termites then hatch into a nymph. The nymph then grows into a worker or soldier.
These insects live in subterranean colonies. They often build tubes to provide moisture and shelter from predators. They are especially common in the subtropics. They mainly attack buildings made of wood or timber.
They are also known as wood bugs or white ants. Some species have two pairs of wings. This allows them to fly. They can be up to one inch long. They usually grow to maturity in three molts. They are pale white in color. They have straight antennae, a broad waist of the thorax, and four evenly spaced wings.
Termite mounds range in size from 10 feet to 42 feet. They are the most advanced termite species in the world. During the mating season, they swarm in large numbers. The swarmers will lay eggs to form a new colony.
