Termites

Overview

Figure 1: Termite mound in Australia [13]

Termites are insects belonging to the order Isoptera. There are more than 2,000 species of termites, which are divided into three main categories. [4] These categories are subterranean, drywood, and dampwood. [3] Termites live together in colonies, taking on different roles in the system to create harmony and order. [5]

Scientific Classification
Kingdom	Animalia
Phylum	Arthropoda
Class	Insecta
Order	Isoptera

Habitat

Figure 2: Termite infestation probability map of the continental United States [14]

Termites are found all over the world, with species existing in every continent except Antarctica. [1] Termites do best in warm climates, so they are most often found in the tropics. [2] Subterranean termites are found underground, as they must maintain contact with soil to get moisture. Drywood termites and dampwood termites are both found aboveground. Drywood termites can be found in wood that is either living or decayed since they do not require a moisture source. Dampwood termites do not need contact with soil, but they do require a moisture source. Because of this, they are found in decayed wood that has consistent access to water. [3]

Diet and Feeding Habits

Termites feed mainly on cellulose, the main component of wood, Plant material containing cellulose is also consumed. [9] In order to digest their food, termites have bacteria and protozoa in their stomachs that produce enzymes to help break down cellulose. [2] Only workers feed directly; reproductives and soldiers must be fed by workers since they do not have these enzymes. The process of transferring food from workers to the rest of the colony happens mostly through the mouth, with workers regurgitating cellulose into the mouths of other termites. [10]

Colony Roles

Termites fall into one of three roles in the colony: reproductives, workers, or soldiers. Each role has different characteristics that help keep the colony thriving.

Figure 3: Reproductive termite [15]

• Reproductives: It is the job of the reproductive termites to mate and keep the colony growing. The main reproductives in a colony are the queen and king. However, there may be other reproductives if the colony is large enough. [5] The queen and king have wings that allow them to leave their respective colonies and mate to form a new colony. Termites reproduce by laying eggs, and a queen can lay thousands of eggs each year. [6] Queens have a long lifespan and can survive for decades, but most commonly live between 10 and 20 years. [8]

• Workers: Workers make up the vast majority of termites in the colony. [5] It is their job to gather food for the colony, build the nest, repair the nest after damage, and care for the queen. [6] Worker and soldier termites do not have wings or reproductive organs. [4] Their life span is much shorter than that of the reproductives, lasting only 2 years on average. [7]

Figure 4: Soldier termites [16]

• Soldiers: Soldier termites protect the colony from predators, most notably ants. Soldiers possess large mandibles to aid them in defense. [5] The lifespan of soldier termites is comparable to workers, lasting approximately 2 years. [7]

Termite Damage

Figure 5: Exterior of house with termite damage [17]

Termites are a prevalent pest in the United States, and can easily make their way into houses through cracks, water buildup, or rotting wood. [12] Damage is often done to homes as a result of termite infestation, and can be costly to repair if not caught right away. Termites chew through both softwood and hardwood, causing structural damage and even foundation problems. [11] Some signs of termite damage to look for include:

• Hollowed out wood
• Maze of tunnels in wood
• Wood bending or buckling
• Mud tubes
• Termite remnants (i.e., wings, waste, etc.)
• Cracked or peeling paint

Sources

[1] Simon, Dany, and Gilad Ben-Zvi. “The Formosan Termite.” The Steinhardt Museum of Natural History, 25 Nov. 2021, smnh.tau.ac.il/en/the-formosan-termite/.

[2] “Termites.” National Wildlife Federation, 24 Oct. 2017, www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Termites.

[3] Orkin. “Types of Termites - Different Kinds of Termite Species.” Orkin Termite Treatment, Pest Control & Exterminator Service, Orkin, 23 Mar. 2022, www.orkin.com/pests/termites/types-of-termites.

[4] Krishna, Kumar. “Termite.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 8 Apr. 2020, www.britannica.com/animal/termite.

[5] Layton, Blake. “Termite Biology (Eastern Subterranean Termites and Formosan Termites).” Mississippi State University Extension Service, Mississippi State University, 4 Mar. 2017, extension.msstate.edu/content/termite-biology-eastern-subterranean-termites-and-formosan-termites#:~:text=Termite%20colonies%20contain%20three%20types,percent%20of%20the%20colony%20members.

[6] Waldvogel, Michael, and Patricia Alder. “Termites - Biology and Control: NC State Extension Publications.” Termites - Biology and Control | NC State Extension Publications, NC State Extension Publications, 7 Apr. 2022, content.ces.ncsu.edu/termites-biology-and-control.

[7] Orkin. “Termite Life Cycle & Lifespan - How Long Do Termites Live?” Orkin Termite Treatment, Pest Control & Exterminator Service, Orkin, 23 Mar. 2022, www.orkin.com/pests/termites/life-cycle.

[8] Terminix. “Termite Life Cycle and Lifespan.” Terminix, Https://Www.terminix.com/, 6 May 2022, www.terminix.com/termites/life-cycle/.

[9] Krishna, Kumar. “Nutrition.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 31 Jan. 2001, www.britannica.com/animal/termite/Nutrition.

[10] Orkin. “What Do Termites Eat: Termite Diet and Feeding Habits.” Orkin, Orkin, 29 Mar. 2022, www.orkin.com/pests/termites/what-do-termites-eat.

[11] Griffin Pest Solutions. “What Does Termite Damage Look like?” Griffin Pest Solutions, Griffin Pest Solutions, 2 May 2022, www.griffinpest.com/what-termite-damage-looks-like/.

[12] Dehan, Andrew. “Termite Damage: How to Identify and Repair It.” Rocket Homes, Rocket Homes, 2 Mar. 2022, www.rockethomes.com/blog/homeowner-tips/termite-damage.

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[14]

[15] Payne Pest Management. “Flying Termites FAQ's.” Payne Pest Management, 31 Aug. 2021, paynepestmgmt.com/flying-termites-faqs/.

[16] Terminix. “Getting to Know Soldier Termites.” Terminix, 25 Mar. 2015, www.terminix.com/termite-control/infestation/getting-to-know-soldier-termites/.

[17] Moore Law Firm. “Termite Lawyer, Termite Lawsuit In Mobile, AL.” Moore Law Firm, 22 May 2020, www.moorelawfirm-al.com/termite-lawyer/.