16+ Facts About Termites You Need to See! (Free Printables)

When the word “termite” comes to mind, one might initially think of the unpleasant associations with the insect world. However, taking a closer look at these small creatures can reveal many captivating facts.

For millions of years, termites have been consuming wood and other materials to construct and sustain immense colonies that can tower over two-story houses. Termites work tirelessly as decomposers without rest throughout their entire lifespan. 

These “silent destroyers” can consume undetected wood, flooring, and even wallpaper, resulting in over a billion in property damage annually.

From the African termites that erect mounds larger than humans to the subterranean varieties that wreak havoc on homes, these social insects offer a wealth of fascination to those who study them. Expand your knowledge of these Amazing Facts About Termites.

Facts About Termites

Termites: The Sleepless Insects

Termites, the tireless insects, never sleep. Their unwavering work ethic might leave you envious, particularly if you enjoy staying up late for video games or have a long list of tasks to accomplish.

These busy bugs continuously labor, creating tunnels, burrows, and nests around the clock. Even more remarkable is that they can sustain this activity for up to two years, which is their average lifespan. It appears that they fully maximize their time on earth.

Termites: Ancient Insects with An Enduring Legacy

Although a termite’s lifespan is relatively short, its species is incredibly ancient. Termites are one of the oldest insect species and have existed longer than humans.

The earliest humans have been estimated to have lived 4 & 1/2 million years ago, while the earliest known dinosaurs roamed the earth around 230 million years ago.

In comparison, the termite species is believed to date back 250 million years, descending from a common ancestor with cockroaches that lived around 300 million years ago.

Class System and Communication Strategies

A termite colony has various classes or forms, depending on the species. These can include the king and queen, reproductive, immature termites, nymphs, workers, and soldiers.

While the king and queen have wings and functioning eyes, the remaining members of the colony are born wingless and without sight.

Instead, they communicate using pheromones or a special chemical scent. Termites possess glands on their chests that produce this scent, which they use to leave trails that guide other workers.

The King and Queen’s Role in Colony Formation

Termites have a reproductive system in which a king and queen found a colony and are the only members capable of reproducing. The queen can lay millions of eggs annually, with some laying up to 30,000 eggs daily. 

Given their lifespan, which can exceed ten years, a queen termite can produce over 100 million eggs. After the king and queen mate and start a colony, the queen’s primary focus is reproduction.

She stays in a chamber, where she is tended to by workers and mates and lays eggs. The king and queen also produce pheromones that regulate life within the nest.

Termites: From Delicacy to Cure

The Surprising Uses of Edible Insects in Some Cultures- termites can be consumed as food in certain cultures. Some people eat termites for their nutritional value, while others do so to treat various illnesses. 

For example, in Singapore, queen termites are considered a delicacy and can be eaten alive, soaked in rice wine, or dipped in alcohol.

 Some believe termites can cure whooping cough and the flu in the Amazon. They burn termite nests to inhale the smoke as a remedy for the flu and prepare a soup made from boiled termites and sugar to cure coughs.

Soldier Termites: The Protectors of The Colony

Certain individuals are born to become soldiers in termite colonies. These soldiers have massive mandibles to fend off predators or intruders, such as ants, the most frequent enemies of termite nests.

They are also born with oversized heads that they occasionally use to block tunnels leading to their colony, preventing intruders from entering. 

While workers are the most common type of termite, soldiers account for only about 15% of the colony. It is worth noting that, like workers, female termites may also become soldiers.

Ants And Termites are Natural Enemies

Ants and termites are natural enemies and cannot coexist in the same area unless ants learn to coexist with termites.

Ants are considered the most significant natural predators of termites, and some pest exterminators use ants to eliminate termite infestations. 

If you already have an established ant colony in your yard, it is highly unlikely that you will also have a termite colony.

If termites are already causing damage to your property and you want to get rid of them, attracting ants to your property can be a viable option.

The Vital Role of Termites in The Ecosystem

Although termites can be troublesome when infested in homes, they also play a crucial part in the environment.

Termites are not only wood-eaters but also decomposers that help to break down plants. They turn dead and decaying trees into fertile soil by consuming wood and breaking down its tough fibers. 

Termites are important contributors to forest health. They also enhance the condition of the soil by creating tunnels that aerate the ground.

This process adds oxygen, which in turn promotes new growth. Despite their negative reputation, termites are essential to maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Hygienic Habits and Flexible Development of Termites

Termites Are Fastidious Insects known for their destructive behavior and cleanliness. Despite living in the ground, termites spend significant time grooming each other to keep themselves clean and free from parasites and bacteria. 

Unlike other insects, termites lack an exoskeleton, which gives them the flexibility to develop into any caste.

Most larvae develop into workers, while some undergo two-stage molts and become soldiers. Senior termites may even undergo regressive molts, returning to an earlier stage of development.

Termites’ Tremendous Appetite

Termites have a voracious appetite and don’t take breaks, so it’s unsurprising that they eat a lot.

A single termite colony can devour as much as a thousand pounds of wood in a year, equivalent to 650 baseball bats. This is a remarkable amount, considering their tiny size.

The Ancient History of Termites

Termites have existed on Earth for more than 100 million years, dating back to the era of dinosaurs. They share a common ancestor with cockroaches and mantises, which is why some people find them repulsive.

Certain Species Survive Underground without Eyesight

Certain species of termites lack eyes as they primarily dwell underground in dark habitats, thus rendering vision unnecessary over time.

Termites cannot withstand sunlight. Over time, they have adapted to living in dark and underground environments, and prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to their death.

Hence, they typically only emerge to explore their surroundings at night, and it’s rare to come across termites during the day. The following fact might startle you a bit.

Termites Consume Feces After Birth

Termites must consume feces after hatching from their eggs. Although this might surprise some readers, there’s a good explanation for this behavior.

Since termites don’t have the necessary bacteria they require in their gut when they’re born, they engage in trophallaxis, which involves feeding on each other’s feces to acquire the vital bacteria.

Additionally, since termites go through molting, they need to replenish their bacterial population regularly, making trophallaxis a significant aspect of their lifestyle within their colonies.

Termites Communicate Through Chemical Signals

Termites rely on chemical signals to communicate. They use pheromones to leave scent trails, guiding their workers to the desired location using a specialized body part. Each termite nest has a unique scent, allowing them to distinguish outsiders from their colony.

The Three Main Types of Termite Species and Their Characteristics

The three primary categories of termite species include damp wood termites, dry wood termites, and subterranean termites. Damp wood termites are larger and consume moist and decaying wood.

Subterranean termites, the third type, can establish colonies with millions of individuals and burrow underground. Among the subterranean species, the Eastern subterranean termite is especially perilous.