Termites and Termite Biology
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Termites are members of the order Isoptera. They are unique among insects in their ability to derive nutritional benefit from cellulose, which is the component of wood that gives it rigidity and strength.
In nature, termites feed on dead trees and plants and convert them into humus, returning the nutrients to the soil so new growth can occur.
In our homes, however, termites are a menace. |
There are many species of termites, but the ones that attack homes in the Greater Boston are are Eastern Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes flavipes). As their name implies, subterranean termites usually live in the soil (although occasionally they may establish colonies in large pieces of damp, rotted wood located above ground).
Subterranean termites are social insects with a highly developed system of organization and division of labor. Each colony consists of four distinct castes of members, of which three are seldom seen by the average homeowner because they live underground. (Click here to see a short movie of subterranean termites in action.) |
Termite Castes
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Worker termites are the ones who do the damage to our homes, foraging and feeding upon the structural wood as if it were just another dead tree. Workers also perform the housekeeping for the colony, maintaining the nest and feeding the other members. They are small, creamy-colored, and grub-like in appearance. |
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Soldier termites are adapted to protect the colony from invasion by predators. Since their heads and mouthparts are adapted for defensive purposes, soldiers cannot feed themselves and must rely on the workers to feed them. They can easily be distinguished from workers by their enlarged heads and mandibles. |
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Reproductive termites are much larger than workers and soldiers. Of the reproductives in a given colony, one member is the primary queen, and the others are "supplementary reproductives." Both the queen and the supplementaries lay eggs; and if the queen is killed, one of the supplementaries will assume the queen's other duties. |
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Winged Reproductives, also called "alates" or "swarmers," are the termites most commonly seen by homeowners. They are black in color and their wings are about twice the length of their bodies. They do not damage wood; their sole job is to fly away from the parent colony (called swarming) and establish a new colony. |
How to Tell Ants from Termites
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Many homeowners become distressed when they see insects that they believe to be termites, but which are really one or another specie of ant. But if you look closely, the differences actually are pretty easy to see.
Winged reproductive termites have a cigar-shaped body, straight antennae, and four wings of the same size. Ants, on the other hand, have "pinched" waists, elbowed antennae, and front wings longer than the back wings.
Termite swarmers also shed their wings very shortly after they swarm. If you see a pile of bodies scattered among shed wings, they're likely termites. |
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