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Family
Rhinotermitidae
Characteristics –
Size: Worker: 1/8- to 3/8-inch in length. Soldier: 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.
Color: Worker: Pale, cream colored. Soldier: Light
colored with brown head. Supplementary Reproductive: Light colored.
Primary Reproductive: Dark brown/black.
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."
Behavior –
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, they
all leave the nest. Supplementary reproductives, on the other hand,
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.
Habitat – 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. Because
subterranean termites will die if exposed to air for an extended
period of time, the tunnels provide protection from the open air,
allowing workers to carry food to the nest. 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, unlike drywood termites that only need low
moisture.
Tips for Control – There are several things a
homeowner can do which can help prevent termite infestations or make
them easier to detect.
 | Store
firewood away from the house.
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| Make
sure at least four inches of the foundation can be seen all
around the home. Siding should not extend into the soil. Mulch
and soil should not touch the siding.
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| Make
sure water drains away from the foundation to ensure water does
not accumulation. Rain gutters are ideal; however, the downspout
should direct the water away from the home.
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| Roof
or plumbing leaks can allow termites to survive above ground in
a house. These should be corrected as soon as possible.
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