Then, they build and maintain nests and mud tubes. Usually termite queens live from 20 to 50 years. Most of the termite damage done to homes is due to subterranean termite infestations. Alates Or Flying Termites Workers Worker termites tend to be lighter in color. Each type has its own role. They don't actually eat faster than other termites but their nests are enormous and can contain millions of termites. Workers maintain the pheromones around their colony as well. You might have termites. Like the worker termites, these termites are pale in color. What workers usually do during attacks is biting ants with jaws and not letting enter the nest. Termites have wide waists, while ants have narrow waists that make them look almost like bees. Firstly you can have difficulties distinguishing soldiers and workers. Living in a house full of termites can be harmful. What is their role? One of them was 12 feet long from floor to ceiling.  or Contact Us Online, Call to book a survey Different termite species have 2 or 3 workers size versions. Every property is at risk of termite problem ranging from warehouse, apartment, landed home or commercial building due to presence of wood, moisture and cellulose material. All the termite castes look differently. You can read more about finding and killing the queen in the article about this termite ruler. They are the termites found in infested wood. Of course, calling for a specialist is the best way out. Termite alates have the characteristic straight antennae, rounded abdomens, and thick waists, while ants, in contrast, have markedly elbowed antennae, pronounced waistlines, and slightly pointed abdomens. Soldiers Soldiers tend to have worker-like bodies, but with hard heads that are often dark in color and have large jaws. If the initial termite treatment wasn't as effective as one would hope, termites may come back to their feeding and breeding grounds. So what do termites look like? Workers can be distinguished from other colony members by size and color. wallpaper, clothing and even carpet can be susceptible to damage in case of a termite infestation. Soldiers Workers’ jaws, which are good for chewing plants, great for defense as well. They feed on structural wood, eating out the core of beams and leaving thin shells behind. Other crucial roles of the workers include the … Among these ground-dwelling termites, the most common structural pests are the eastern, western, and Formosan subterranean termites, who will happily eat the framing of your house starting at the bottom, where moisture has made the wood soft and working their way up. Drywood termites live in smaller colonies than their subterranean cousins. The 'doers' The workers make up the largest number within a colony. Notice their rectangular-shaped heads, which can help you distinguish them from other termites. Some worker termites are translucent, almost clear in color; others are brown or gray. Enter a zip code below to view local branches. soft, lighter-colored spring wood over the darker, harder summer wood.). Termite workers are also responsible for building and maintaining termite mud tubes Since termites eat wood from the inside out, you probably won't find them until your home is infested, and you're more likely to see signs of damage than the bugs themselves. Eastern subterranean termites live in moist, dark places. Secondly, living in a house with termite infestation can be dangerous if they have caused extensive structural damage. Bait stations aren't labor intensive but must be checked every few months. Learn more about the types of cookies we use by reviewing our updated Privacy Policy. Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. Termite queens have a physogastric stomach. Sometimes the simply kick the fecal matter, called “frass” completely out of the nest. Carpenter Bees and How to Get Rid of Them, USDA ARS Photo Unit, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org, Rudolf H. Scheffrahn, University of Florida, Bugwood.org, B.A., Political Science, Rutgers University. By clicking the “Submit” button, I authorize Orkin to contact me about their services at this number using an auto dialer. Their life is much shorter than the queen’s. All homes occasionally run into problems with household pests. They carry out the eggs to special rooms, nurseries. Each caste has unique physical features to help it fulfill its role in the colony. Termite workers are wingless and have hardened mouthparts. Can You See Termites with the Human Eye? Here are some facts about worker termites and other colony members which can be really interesting for you: Here you can learn more information about effective treatment method called tenting (fumigation): dangers for termites, preparing for fumigation and cleaning after, how long does this procedure last? Their bodies are dark brown or black. If termites damage your furniture, that’s workers, other castes don’t damage wood.