The worker termite is 1/8- to 3/8-inch in length. The soldier termite’s body is similar to that of the worker, but large, deck head with powerful mandibles. Supplementary Reproductive: About one inch in length. Primary Reproductive: About one inch in length. Soldiers have an elongated head with pincer-like mandibles. Supplementary Reproductives have either no wings or very short non-functional wings, while Primary Reproductives have four wings of equal size until they are shed. Primary Reproductives are the termites most often seen in the open. They are commonly referred to as "swarmers." The worker termite is a pale cream colored, the soldier is a light colored with brown head, the Supplementary Reproductive is light colored and the Primary Reproductive is a dark brown/black color.
This termite is known to swarm in spring, but small flights can occur at any time of the year. Swarming is the visible means that termites use to establish new colonies. As the colony grows, specialized castes are produced for the different tasks required. One caste produced is the workers. Another caste is the soldiers. And a third caste is the reproductives. Primary reproductives swarm and start new colonies. They are called alates or swarmers. Although thousands of primary reproductives may be produced each year and all leave the nest. Supplementary reproductives can become reproductive only in the colonies in which they were born. They assist the primary king and queen in population growth of the colony. Subterranean termites live in colonies in the ground, building vertical tunnels that look like mud tubes above ground level so that they can search for food. Subterranean termites can form tunnels through cracks in concrete, so slab homes are not exempt from these termites. They need to stay in contact with the soil in order to survive.
There are several things a homeowner can do which can help prevent termite infestations or make them easier to detect such as storing firewood away from the house. Make sure at least four inches of the foundation can be seen all around the home and the siding should not extend into the soil. Mulch and soil should not touch the siding either. Keep water drains away from the foundation to ensure water does not accumulate. Rain gutters are good but make sure the downspout should direct the water away from the home. Roof or plumbing leaks can allow termites to survive above ground in a house. These should be corrected as soon as possible. |
