What is the life cycle of a termite?
The Termite Life Cycle In an incomplete metamorphosis, the termite progresses through three different life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Depending on the colony’s needs, young termites can molt several times over the span of their lives—including into reproductive alates.
How long is the lifespan of a termite?
Lifespan. Workers and soldiers live approximately one to two years. Queen termites may survive for over a decade under optimal climate conditions.
What time of year do termites do the most damage?
However, termites that have infested a house can cause damage at any time, regardless of the weather or presence of warning signs like swarms.
- Spring is the swarming season for most subterranean termites.
- Springtime Flowers and Termite Swarms.
- Summer Activity.
- Fall Swarmers.
- More Information.
Are termites active all year?
Termites remain active year round – even during the winter. However, winter brings some changes in the daily routine of subterranean termite colonies. In cooler climates, subterranean termites typically move deeper into the ground during the cold season to access the warmth they need to survive.
How often do termites reproduce?
Queens can live up to 25 years, while most workers live between two and five years. Termite colonies can survive for a long time, and in some species, queens lay thousands of eggs every day. For these reasons, termite nests can be enormous.
What is the natural enemy of termites?
ants
Arthropods such as ants, centipedes, cockroaches, crickets, dragonflies, scorpions and spiders, reptiles such as lizards, and amphibians such as frogs and toads consume termites, with two spiders in the family Ammoxenidae being specialist termite predators.
How fast do termites reproduce?
A termite queen lays 6 to 12 eggs within a few days or weeks after mating. In the United States, most subterranean species lay fewer than 100 eggs during the first year. Egg-laying increases with time. Eventually, a queen may lay thousands of eggs in a day.
How long do termites stay in your house?
Swarms typically last a few weeks, although the start and finish can vary, depending on weather patterns and other local conditions. That said, seeing flying termites near your home is a reason for concern, as the closer these voracious pests get to your home, the bigger risk you run of having an infestation.
Why do termites suddenly appear?
Swarming. It may seem as if termites suddenly appear when they are in swarming mode. During mating season, winged reproductives, called alates, swarm at dusk in the spring months, usually after rainfall, to find a mate and start new colonies.
What time of day do termites swarm?
Subterranean termites swarm during the day, particularly after rainfall. They’re most active in the spring. Invasive Formosan termites swarm at night and are generally at their peak in the late spring and summer. Drywood termites are also active at night, especially around lights.
Do termites ever just go away?
While you cannot get rid of termites permanently from the environment, you can help prevent them from taking root in your home and control any active colonies nearby. Although it may be tempting to try termite control yourself, prevention and treatment is best left to the professionals.
How long can termites live in wood?
(Not So Fun) Facts About California Termites A termite queen can live for 15-20 years — in your home! Termite colonies eat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can consume a pound of wood each day.