![]() In these cases, termites can be at work, eating away at wood 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, some termite species – including subterranean termites – can remain active (though out of sight) year-round, especially in warmer climates. Because of this, many people are under the misconception that termites are only a problem in the spring. ![]() Swarms (and the shed wings left behind) are often one of the only outwardly visible signs of the existence of termites. Eventually, this subcolony can then produce the needed reproductives from nymphs (young termites), and completely break off as its own colony. Division typically occurs when a new food source is located and a subcolony is formed to exploit the source. In colder regions where termites do not typically survive the winter, new colonies can be started in one of two ways when infested wood is introduced to a new location, or by division. Because of this, it can take many years before a colony is large enough to cause visible damage to the wood they infest. So at the end of the first year, a subterranean colony may contain as many as 75 individuals, whereas drywoods may contain only a dozen. In the first year, the queen can lay anywhere between zero and 22 eggs. The queen has been known to live for 30 or more years.ĭepending on the species, it can take three to four years before a newly founded colony reaches maturity and produce its own swarmers. The new couple then select a nest location, mate, and become king and queen of a new colony. Once the male locates an alluring female, they break off their wings, symbolizing that they are a couple. The female termites release ‘mating pheromones,’ much like perfume, to entice male termites. In the springtime, after the last freeze – usually when temperatures reach about 70 degrees – the young adult male and female swarmers emerge from their nests in large groups. Swarmers, also known as reproductives, have two pair of wings, which lie flat over the abdomen when not in use. Soldiers are sterile, and their main role is to protect the colony. Workers maintain the colony, construct or repair the nest, and forage for food for the colony. A colony is made up of workers, soldiers and swarmers. Termites are typically classified into three groups based on the location of the colony – subterranean, drywood and dampwood. There are more than 2,000 known termite species in the world, with at least 50 species occurring in the U.S. ![]() Therefore, it’s important to understand the life cycle of termites, and the signs that a colony has taken up residence in your home. What’s worse, this damage is not typically covered by homeowners insurance, and – because they tend to remain out of sight – their damage can go unnoticed for many years, until serious issues arise. They are estimated to cause $5 billion in property damage every year. Termites feed on the cellulose in wood and wood by-products, such as paper. They are social insects and live in colonies that are usually located in the ground or in wood. Termites have been around for more than 120 million years. Unfortunately, one of the most common springtime pests is also one of biggest threats to our homes and properties – termites. ![]() But in the pest control industry, spring marks the beginning of peak pest season, when most insects are coming out of their winter hiding spots, mating – and in some cases – finding their way into our homes. When you think of spring, you probably envision blooming flowers and the return of warmer weather. Spring Swarmers Understanding the Termite Life Cycle
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