While you can live your whole life without knowing what a termite looks like, it is vital to understand their appearance in case you do meet them. There is a chance that you will see a swarm of termites outside or inside of your home. Aside from that, there is a chance that you will come across other termites during the search by being proactive in searching for termite damage.
If you do see termites in your property, contact termite control Memphis as soon as possible.
Queen and King Termites
Queen and king termites start as the reproductive swarmer termites. They begin their own colony after they look for their mate and return underground. They grow in size over time. Usually, termite kings are around ½ inch in length and have a similar sturdier appearance and darker casing compared to the soldier and worker termites.
The termite queen goes through a lot of transformations. Though the front portion of its body stays the same in look to before she transforms a queen, her abdomen grows into a big sac where she generates eggs. The size is around the length of a human finger.
Soldier Termites
While you are not going to probably see a soldier termite, it is useful to know what they look like. Soldier termites are almost the same in look to worker termites with a couple of visible differences. While similar in color to worker termites, soldier termites can often be darker. Usually, soldiers are bigger compared to worker termites. The primary difference being their head size. Solder termites have huge heads with huge mandibles that protrude from the head.
Worker Termites
One of the most common termites that you’ll probably see is the worker termites. They can’t go outside in the open. However, there is a chance that you will meet these busy insects if you are looking for indications of activity from termites actively. These termites are accountable for every aspect of maintaining the colony smoothly running, aside from security and reproduction. Though the queen and king termite stay in the nest area and the soldier termites guard the exits and entrances of the nest, the worker termites will move around and eat wood.
These termites have the same size as the reproductive termites. However, they are typically a little smaller with white, soft, and yellow bodies. They look like maggots from afar. However, you will be able to see 6 legs and a set of antennae once you see them close enough. Their heads are a bit smaller compared to their body.
Reproductive Termites
This is probably the most common termite you will see in your life. Typically, they are ½ inch long and they have wings. They can differ and color. However, the most common ones are black, brown, and tan.
Oftentimes, you might assume reproductive termites are flying ants. However, they are not. As much as you can, it is better to take a closer look. This is particularly true since their antennae are the main difference.
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