07/10/2023
Fun Facts
Termites
Subterranean Termite colonies can have up to 2 million members! Their colonies are divided into three groups: workers, soldiers and reproductive.
Size: 1/8" to 1"
Shape: Long, narrow, oval
Color: Creamy brown
Legs: 6
Wings: Yes
Antenna: Yes
Common Name: Subterranean Termite
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Isoptera
Family: Rhinotermitidae
Species: Varies
DIET
Termites eat wood, wallpaper, plastics and fabric made from plants.
HABITAT
Subterranean termites need contact with the soil to survive. They live in underground colonies or in wet areas aboveground. They build tunnels to reach food and every spring, groups of reproductive termites fly off to start new colonies.
IMPACT
Subterranean termites are the most destructive kind of termite. They can eat a lot of wood and they can cause a lot of expensive damage to a house! They can destroy building foundations, wooden support beams, plastic plumbing pipes, sub-flooring, insulation … even swimming pool liners and filtration systems! Termites can also injure or destroy living trees and shrubs.
TERMITE FACTS
There are approximately 45 species of termites in the U.S. There are more than 2,300 species worldwide.
Termites are social insects that live in colonies with caste systems, which means termites are organized into different social classes based on their roles and responsibilities.
The termite caste system has three levels: reproductives, workers and soldiers.
Worker and soldier termites are blind. Only termites that have become fully mature, reproductive termites develop eyes.
Since termites live in dark places and many of them are blind, termites communicate through pheromones (chemical signals) and vibrations caused by head-banging.
Termites build the largest nests of any insect.
Termites cannot "eat" wood. Termites require the help of single-cell organisms in their guts to digest cellulose (wood).
Ants are termites main predator. Ants can attack termite colonies or termite workers looking for food.
In the U.S., subterranean termites cause more damage than all other termite species.
In Australia and Africa, very large and architecturally impressive termite mounds have become tourist attractions.
Termites have lived on Earth for approximately 250 million years
If you are experiencing a termite infestation or any pest control problems anywhere in Rhode Island -- from West Greenwich to Johnston to Barrington, South County to Providence to Cumberland -- and even in Southeastern Massachusetts, call the Professionals at Falcon Pest Services LLC today at 401-739-1322 or 888-232-5266. Relief is just a phone call away!
