ants

Termites are tiny insects that feed on wood. Their digestive systems can break down cellulose from cell walls of plants to produce energy. Their colonies follow the “caste system” allowing them to cooperate very well. They establish colonies which consist of king and queen as the leaders and main reproductive members, supported by worker termites, soldier, and alates.

The king and queens are the primary reproductive members but a colony can have secondary and tertiary reproductives which can increase their population exponentially. Soldiers are the ones responsible for defending the colony. Soldiers can secrete toxic substances from which they utilize to kill and drive away intruders. Worker termites do most of the work inside the colony – they transport food, make tunnels, and take care of the young termites. They also feed the king, queen, and soldiers because they can’t feed by themselves. Alates are winged reproductive termites. They are reproduced to find new locations and build a new colony.

They can cause extreme damage wood infrastructures, they can hollow trees and the worst case, eat your house. Termites eat up to millions of dollars’ worth of houses and other buildings every year. Their species continue to grow and spread worldwide. They are mostly found in damp areas underground or in wooden structures. They’re probably there right now dwelling in your neighborhood.