Types of Termites in Maryland

Last updated: 5/6/2021

Estimated read time: 3.5 minutes

Termites are tiny little creatures who survive by being extremely efficient in the consumption of cellulose or wood. How can such tiny little bugs be such a problem for homeowners? The termite requires a water source, a dark secure environment, an inhabitable temperature, food, and a Queen. The termite is an equal opportunity devourer of wood regardless of the location of the wood. Termites must eat to survive and they never rest. Termites do not hibernate!

Types of Termites in the Colony

The Queen Termite

The Queen is seldom seen, even by highly skilled termite exterminators. This makes it difficult to get rid of a termite colony. The queen termite lives for 45 years give or take and she produces almost 2,000 eggs per day as she mates for life. This is truly a staggering number with the potential day after day of 2,000 new termites. The overcrowding is incredible when you think about it! This is why it is always good to be proactive about your termite control in Maryland or Northern Virginia!

Worker Termites

Worker termites are white in color and generally blind. They move the eggs around the colony to permit proper growth. These worker termites have the task of digesting the cellulose and feeding the colony. Around 60% of the colony are the workers and can be found in decaying, wet wood.

Soldier Termites

Carrying the food and water back to the base camp, the worker termites are often guarded by fierce, combative soldier termites. Soldier termites are blind and often have to be fed by the workers since the jaws of the soldiers are too big and prohibit feeding. The primary enemy of the termite is the ant. Ants are no match for the soldiers, however.