What does a queen subterranean termite look like?

A subterranean termite queen can vary in color from pale yellow-brown to black. Secondary reproductives in subterranean species are typically white or very light in color – the same color as worker termites for that species.

How can you distinguish the queen from the other termites?

The queen’s abdomen will be wider, rounder, and have a protective shield of pliable abdominal tergum while workers are more flat-backed with shorter abdomens that lack these features. Queen termites have one purpose only and that’s to reproduce and lay eggs which is why they’re the hardest to get rid of.

What are the three cast of subterranean termites?

During that time several generations can fill the nest. A termite colony is divided into three different castes: Reproductives, Soldiers, and Workers. And each caste has a different life-span.

Can worker termites turn into queens?

When a queen or king dies, worker termites can develop into reproductive females or males without going through the winged stage. They are referred to as secondary reproductives. Nymphs can also become secondary reproductives without going through the flying phase, if necessary.

Do subterranean termites only eat wet wood?

Yes, the three major kinds of termites in the United States are dampwood, drywood and subterranean. Dampwood termites commonly live in heavily forested areas of the country as they prefer wet wood; while, drywood termites, much more rare in the United States, prefer extremely dry wood.

How can you tell what kind of termites you have?

Look for the most common sign – the color. Subterranean termite swarmers are solid black, drywood swarmers are solid red, while carpenter ants are usually red and black or dark brown. The other big difference is in the body. Termites all have a long body with no small segments attached.

Do subterranean termites come out at night?

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.

How serious are subterranean termites?

Subterranean termites can cause extensive damage. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. Even a smaller colony, at 60,000 workers, has the ability to eat 1/5 ounce—or 5 grams—of wood each day.