Do you know what the inside of a termite colony looks like? Most people don’t, and that’s because it’s a closely guarded secret. Worker termites are responsible for building and maintaining the nest, and they work tirelessly to ensure that their colony thrives. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at how worker termites do their job!
PS: Do you need a professional termite control company to help you deal with termites? If so, contact us now! We at Bio Termite Control will ensure that all your termite problems are effectively solved and ensure that they won’t bother you anymore.
Worker Termite Identification
Worker termites may be distinguished from other termites by their color and size. Worker termites have rounder heads and bodies, as well as straight antennae. They’re not as big as the colony’s monarch and queen.
Soldier termites have pale or white bodies but blackheads and bigger jaws to protect the colony against ant attacks. These are “swarming” termites if you see flying termites about your property.
Winged termites, like the king and queen, are “reproductives,” although they only lay eggs after fleeing the nest during swarming. Light brown to black in color (depending on the species), winged termites are more likely to be visible in the spring.
The Role of Worker Termites
Worker termites are the backbone of the colony. They’re responsible for building and maintaining the nest, as well as for gathering food to bring back to the colony.
They use their powerful jaws to chew through wood, which they then take back to the nest and eat. Worker termites also care for the young in the colony and protect them from predators.
In order to do their job effectively, worker termites need a reliable source of moisture. That’s why you’ll often find them near leaky pipes or around foundations where there’s plenty of water available.
Dangers of Worker Termites
Worker termites are an important part of the colony, but they can also be a danger to your property. Outside the nest, termite workers seek nourishment. Remember, they’re mostly looking for wood and the cellulose it contains.
They eat your home’s timber structures, like siding, beams, joists, and flooring. Termites, on the other hand, will eat anything that has cellulose. Drywall, wallpaper, clothes, and even carpet might be subject to harm in case of a termite infestation.
Damages Worker Termites Cause
The average homeowner insurance policy does not cover termite damage. That’s why it’s important to have an annual inspection of your property for these pests and to take action if you find them.
Damages that worker termites do include:
- Floorboards that have buckled or are sagging.
- On your walls and/or ceilings, you’ll see bubbling paint and discoloration that looks like water damage.
- Small holes in your drywall with small flecks of dirt or even termite mud tubes apparent upon careful study.
- Any pattern of wood damage that follows the wood grain, providing a ribbed look in the wood around your home.
- Termite tunnels, sometimes known as “mud tubes,” can be observed flowing up vertical buildings, outside or beneath your home, and especially around your foundation.
Eliminating Worker Termites
If you have a termite problem, it’s important to take action quickly. Termites can do serious damage to your home if left untreated.
There are several ways to eliminate worker termites, including:
- Using bait stations around your property that will poison the termites
- Applying liquid termiticides directly to the soil around your home
- Fumigating your entire home with a gas called sulfuryl fluoride
All of these methods should be carried out by a professional pest control company. They will also be able to tell you if you have an infestation and how severe it is.
FAQ’s About Worker Termites
Here are the frequently asked questions about worker termites:
How Do Worker Termites Communicate?
Worker termites communicate with one another through a process called trophallaxis. This is when they share food and liquid from their mouths. By doing this, the workers can tell each other what needs to be done in order to keep the colony running smoothly.
Can Worker Termites Reproduce?
Worker termites are able to reproduce, but they can only do so if they become winged. Winged termites are the ones that fly away from the colony to start new colonies.
Do Worker Termites Have Wings?
Worker termites don’t have wings, but winged termites (alates) do. Winged termites are more likely to be visible in the spring when they fly away from the colony to start new colonies.
The New Understanding
Termites are an example of a colony animal that works together to help the group survive. A termite worker’s job is to find food and bring it back for other members in the nest while also defending against predators.
This article has provided information on how these little critters have been able to thrive with their unique social structure. Should you have more questions in mind, feel free to give us a call today!