

Like ants, termites are very social creatures that thrive in a colony. The purpose of swarming is for termites to reproduce and create new colonies near food sources.

In general, drywood termites swarm in the evening, and require far less moisture than their subterranean counterparts. These insects can arrive from the air and infest structures without leaving any evidence like mud tubes behind, and without requiring ground contact with a surface. You might also notice black wingless termites which aren't uncommon, but are another type of termite to be on the lookout for in your home! Drywood Termitesĭrywood termites are identified by the fact that they nest in the very wood that they are infesting, instead of in the ground. Although subterranean termites are brown, they can also have a dark coloring which can make them easy to confuse with carpenter ants who are of similar color and shape. If you're noticing black house termites they are more than likely subterranean termites. Subterranean termites generally swarm in the daytime, and usually swarm in the springtime between March and June. These mud tubes are usually visible on the sides of buildings, trees and other wooden structures that the termites are infesting.

Unlike their drywood termite counterparts, subterranean termites create mud tubes to protect them from dehydration and predators when they travel. The subterranean termite, as its name would suggest, nests underground. Though there are many similarities between the types, there are also many distinct differences in their behavior, living habits, and swarming habits. Though there are many species of termites throughout the world, in general, all species can be broken down into two distinct groups: Subterranean termites and drywood termites. Read on to find out all you need to know about termites, so you can be armed with the knowledge you need to protect your family’s home. When termites start to swarm in April and May, North Carolina homeowners know that it is time to protect their homes from these destructive invaders. For many homeowners in the south, especially in North Carolina, one type of insect is a particularly unwelcome sight.
#BUGS THAT LOOK LIKE TERMITES PROFESSIONAL#
If you see any signs of termites in or near your home, it’s important to tell a family member so they can work with a pest control professional to treat the infestation.Do you hear that buzzing sound? Springtime means a return of many of the insects that were all but forgotten during the winter months. Termites can cause serious damage to our houses and other buildings. Fun fact: a queen termite has been known to live for 30 or more years! What should you do if you spot a termite in the home? The queen is an extremely important member of a colony, as she is responsible for laying eggs to ensure the colony’s growth and survival. If you see flying termites near a house or window or find shed wings but no bugs, that could mean termite trouble. Swarmer Termitesĭuring certain times of the year, swarmer termites will emerge from the colony to start a new colony. Soldier termites rely on worker termites for food. Soldier termites defend the nest and are equipped with big, armored heads and sharp, enlarged mouthparts designed to protect the colony from any attacks. Baby termites can’t feed themselves, so they depend on the worker termites to feed them. The workers leave the nest to search for food for the entire termite colony. They are responsible for repairing the nest, caring for nest mates, foraging for food, and destroying wood. Worker termites are the largest group and therefore the most common termite you’ll find. Let’s explore each life stage of termite: Worker Termites There are basically four different types of adult termites: workers, soldiers, swarmers, or future queens. Now that we know what baby termites look like, the question is, what will they look like when they grow up? Adult termites fall into one of four categories types: The Life Cycle of a Termite Nymph Termite nymphs are typically pale white and, if you look closely, you can spot their antennae that point straight out. These “baby” termites are known as nymphs. From there, the egg hatches into what looks like a miniature termite. Knowing what baby termites look like can help you in identifying these pests!īaby termites start as white/yellow/clear eggs protected inside a nest. Termites are very destructive because of how quickly they will eat the structure of a home, but what do they look like before they turn into a hungry pest?
