How long do termites live? How to get rid of termites / white ants?

While you drive your lawn tractor to shape your front yard, you might notice there is something underneath the beautiful lawn and it could possibly be termite.

Termites, often referred to as “white ants,” are among the most destructive pests that can infest a home. Despite their small size, these insects have the potential to cause significant structural damage if left unchecked. Recognizing the signs of a termite infestation and understanding how to effectively manage and prevent these pests is crucial for homeowners.

This article is all about termites – how long they live, what affects their lifespan, and how to kick them out and keep them from coming back.

How long do termites live?

Termites, often known as the silent destroyers, are fascinating insects with complex social structures and a variety of lifespans. Understanding how long termites live requires a look at the different types within a colony and the conditions they live in.

Types of Termites

Termites live in colonies with a highly organized social structure. There are three main types of termites in a colony: workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites (which include kings and queens).

1. Worker Termites: Workers are the backbone of the colony. They are responsible for building and maintaining the nest, foraging for food, and taking care of the eggs and young termites. Worker termites typically live for about one to two years. Their lifespan can vary depending on environmental conditions and the species of termite.
2. Soldier Termites: Soldiers protect the colony from predators, such as ants. They have larger heads and powerful jaws designed for defence. Like workers, soldier termites usually live for one to two years. They are entirely dependent on workers to feed them since they cannot feed themselves.
3. Reproductive Termites: The reproductive members of the colony include the king, queen, and secondary reproductives. The queen termite is especially notable for her long lifespan. A queen termite can live for 15 to 20 years, and in some cases, even longer. The king, who stays by the queen’s side, can also live for many years, though typically not as long as the queen. Secondary reproductives, which can step in if something happens to the king or queen, have a shorter lifespan, generally a few years.

Lifespan Influencing Factors

Several factors influence the lifespan of termites, including species, environment, and colony health.

1. Species: There are over 2,000 species of termites, and lifespans can vary significantly among them. For example, subterranean termites tend to have longer-lived colonies compared to drywood termites.
2. Environment: Termites thrive in warm, moist environments. In favourable conditions, termites can live longer. Conversely, extreme temperatures and dry conditions can shorten their lifespans. Moisture is particularly crucial for termites, as they need it to digest cellulose, the main component of their diet.
3. Colony Health: The overall health of the termite colony also plays a role. A well-maintained nest with a steady food supply and good protection from predators can support a longer lifespan for its members. Conversely, colonies that face frequent threats or food shortages may see a reduction in individual termite lifespans.

Lifecycle Stages

Understanding termite lifespan also involves looking at their lifecycle stages: egg, nymph, and adult.

1. Egg: Termite eggs hatch into nymphs after a few weeks. The queen termite lays eggs continuously, ensuring the colony’s growth.
2. Nymph: Nymphs are young termites that go through several moults before becoming adults. The time spent in the nymph stage can vary but usually lasts several months.
3. Adult: Once they reach adulthood, termites take on their roles as workers, soldiers, or reproductives. The role they assume largely determines their lifespan, with workers and soldiers living a few years and reproductives, especially queens, living much longer.

Termites live for different lengths of time based on their roles in the colony, their species, and the environment. Workers and soldiers usually live for one to two years, while reproductive termites, especially queens, can live for decades.

Even though they are small, termites have a big impact on their ecosystems and human structures, thanks to their intricate social organization and varying lifespans.

Are white ants termites?

Yes, “white ants” is a common nickname for termites, although they are not true ants. This term is used because termites resemble ants in some ways and have similar social structures, but they belong to different insect orders and have distinct differences.

Differences Between Termites and Ants

1. Taxonomy:
   • Termites belong to the order Blattodea, which also includes cockroaches.
   • Ants belong to the order Hymenoptera, which includes bees and wasps.
2. Physical Differences:
   • Body Shape: Termites have a more uniform body shape with a broad waist, whereas ants have a constricted waist creating a distinct separation between the thorax and abdomen.
   • Antennae: Termites have straight, bead-like antennae. Ants have elbowed antennae.
   • Wings: When present, termite wings are of equal length and size, whereas ants have wings of different sizes, with the front wings being longer than the hind wings.
   • Colour: Termites are typically pale or white, hence the name “white ants,” while ants are often darker in colour, ranging from black to brown to red.
3. Behavioural Differences:
   • Social Structure: Both termites and ants live in colonies with a division of labour among workers, soldiers, and reproductive members. However, termites generally have a more rigid caste system compared to ants.
   • Diet: Termites primarily feed on cellulose found in wood, paper, and other plant materials. Ants have a more varied diet, including proteins, sugars, and fats.
   • Habitat: Termites build their nests in wood or underground, often creating extensive tunnel systems. Ants can build nests in the ground, within wood, or in plants, and some species are even known to invade homes in search of food.

Why Termites Are Called “White Ants”

The nickname “white ants” comes from the superficial resemblance of termites to ants and their similar social behaviours. Both termites and ants form large colonies, have complex social hierarchies, and work together to sustain their communities. However, the differences in their biology, behaviour, and ecological roles are significant.

Importance of Correct Identification

Correctly identifying whether an infestation is caused by termites or ants is crucial for effective pest control. Termites can cause extensive damage to wooden structures because of their wood-eating habits, which can go unnoticed until significant damage has occurred. Ants, while they can be a nuisance and some species can cause damage, generally do not pose the same level of threat to wooden structures.

While “white ants” is a colloquial term for termites due to their superficial resemblance to ants and similar social behaviours, termites are a distinct group of insects with notable differences in taxonomy, physical characteristics, and behaviour. Understanding these differences is important for proper pest identification and management.

How to get rid of termites / white ants?

Getting rid of termites, commonly referred to as “white ants,” requires a combination of preventive measures and active treatments. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you manage a termite infestation effectively.

1. Identification and Inspection

Before taking action, confirm that you have a termite infestation. Look for the following signs:

• Mud Tubes: Termites build these as protective tunnels from their nest to their food source.
• Wood Damage: Termites eat wood from the inside out, leaving a honeycomb pattern and often hollow sounds when tapped.
• Discarded Wings: Swarmers, or reproductive termites, shed their wings after mating flights.
• Frass: Termite droppings, which resemble small wood-colored pellets.

2. Professional Inspection

Hiring a professional pest control service for a thorough inspection is highly recommended. They can identify the extent of the infestation and the specific termite species, which is crucial for effective treatment.

3. Treatment Options

Chemical Treatments

1. Liquid Termiticides: These chemicals are applied to the soil around the foundation of the building, creating a barrier that termites cannot cross. Common active ingredients include fipronil and imidacloprid.
   • Application: Trenching or rodding into the soil around the structure.
2. Termite Baits: Bait stations containing slow-acting toxic substances are placed around the property. Termites consume the bait and carry it back to the colony, gradually eliminating it.
   • Application: Placing bait stations around the perimeter and monitoring them regularly.
3. Wood Treatments: Applying termiticides directly to wooden structures can prevent infestations and kill existing termites.
   • Application: Surface sprays, injections, or foams.

Non-Chemical Treatments

1. Beneficial Nematodes: These are microscopic worms that naturally prey on termites. They can be applied to the soil where termites are present.
   • Application: Mixing nematodes with water and spraying them into the soil.
2. Boric Acid: This is a natural pesticide that can be used to treat wood and other materials where termites are active.
   • Application: Spraying or dusting boric acid on infested areas.
3. Heat Treatment: Increasing the temperature of infested wood to a level that is lethal to termites.
   • Application: Professional heat treatments involving specialized equipment.

4. Prevention Tips

1. Reduce Moisture: Termites are attracted to moisture. Fix leaks, improve drainage, and ensure proper ventilation in crawl spaces.
2. Remove Food Sources: Keep firewood, lumber, and paper away from your home. Remove tree stumps and debris from around your property.
3. Use Termite-Resistant Materials: When building or renovating, use materials treated to resist termites, such as pressure-treated wood or metal.
4. Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your property, especially in areas prone to termites.
5. Seal Entry Points: Close gaps and cracks in your foundation, walls, and roof to prevent termites from entering.

5. Ongoing Monitoring

Even after treatment, ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure that termites do not return. Professional pest control services often offer maintenance plans to periodically check and treat your property.

Getting rid of termites involves identifying the infestation, using effective treatments, and taking preventive measures to protect your property. While some treatments can be done by homeowners, expert pest control services provide expertise and comprehensive solutions, especially for severe infestations. Regular monitoring and maintenance are key to keeping your home termite-free.

Conclusion

Ultimately, termites can seriously mess up your home or building without you even noticing. Understanding the lifecycle and long-term impact of these pests can help you realize how important it is to deal with them proactively. Combine pro inspections with taking action on your own and keeping an eye on things, and you can keep your place termite-free. With the right knowledge and approach, you can save your home from the expensive damage these “white ants” can cause.