If you were to ask most homeowners, they’d likely say there biggest pest control fear is termites—and with good reason. These destructive insects can eat through a home’s flooring, walls, and roof, while also destroying wood furniture. And, unfortunately, with dozens of different species in the U.S., they are very prevalent. However, by understanding how these pests operate, you can take steps to stop them early.

At Birth

A termite colony starts when a male and female termite mate and became king and queen of their offspring. Different species of termites lay different amounts of eggs, ranging anywhere from a few to thousands at a time. They are whitish and small enough to not be noticed, especially since they are often buried belowground. As the eggs hatch—usually, about two weeks after being conceived—the new termites enter the larvae stage.

As Larvae

Larvae do not actively eat away at people’s homes. However, they consume the prepared cellulose brought to them by their older relatives. As such, they are still a threat and require immediate pest control. They will continue to grow until they’ve shed their original exoskeleton, having it replaced by a newer, larger one. Over the course of these transformations, they will develop physical characteristics that will determine which of the three main jobs the termite will have within the colony: worker, soldier, or reproducer. The latter, called a nymph, has wings.

As Adults

All three castes are controlled by the queen who manages the colony through the use of pheromones. They continue to consume more wood and to shed—with exoskeletal remains of their swarms usually being the first warning sign homeowners get of their presence. Often, this is about 3-5 years after termites first infested in the home. Once the colony grows to a certain size, some of the termites are allowed to break off at which point they will start their own colony elsewhere under the control of a new queen.

 

If you think your home might have a termite infestation, don’t wait to schedule pest control services with the experts at All Service in New Braunfels, TX. As the area’s premier exterminator, their highly trained team has the tools and experience needed to diagnose your home and ascertain if a colony is present. They will then remove the source and ensure the house is protected from future infestations. Schedule an appointment by calling (830) 626-2847 or learn more about their pest control services online.