Homeowners dread termite infestations, which cost thousands of dollars in damages annually. Recognizing adult termites is usually straightforward, but what about their offspring? Are they harmful, and what do they look like?
We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to assist you in identifying them. If you’ve found baby termites in your living space, don’t hesitate to contact the On Demand Pest Control team right away.
Different types of adult termites look a lot like their adult form in their early stages of life. The main difference is that baby termites are lighter in color and tinier in size, commonly mistaken for ants. When a termite egg hatches, a baby termite is born and they start laying eggs once they reach adulthood.
Their physical characteristics include straight antennae, a robust waist, and a light pigmentation. As termites mature, they undergo an increase in size and a darkening of their hue. However, these small insects may indicate a potential termite issue on your property.
The lifecycle of baby termites
Upon the hatching of a termite egg, a juvenile termite emerges. Homeowners can identify baby termites during this stage by their light color and small size, often mistaken for ants.
The rate of egg production starts off slow and picks up speed as time goes on. The eggs that are laid are typically white and hatch as termite nymphs. These baby termites are then moved to a nursery chamber where they receive food and grooming. If you’ve identified baby termites in your living space, contact the On Demand Pest Control team right away.
Termite larvae take a few months to reach full growth. Colony population, food availability, and temperature affect their development rate. The growth period varies since it becomes easier and faster when there are fewer young termites competing for resources.
A termite colony can cause severe damage to your home, even though baby termites do not pose an immediate threat. To avoid termite damage to your property, it’s important to know the early signs of a termite infestation.
Be vigilant for mud tubes and other indications of termite presence. Regular termite inspections can help you detect these signs before the problem gets out of hand. Additionally, hiring a reputable pest control company is the best way to protect your property from termite colonies.
What do baby termites eat?
Worker termites are responsible for feeding baby termites, including queen termites, as they cannot feed themselves. In order to feed their babies, worker termites gather wood cellulose, consume it, and secrete a special fluid. After becoming a king/queen, these termites will still consume this fluid. Other regular termites feed directly from the wood source once they reach adulthood.
How do you get rid of baby termites?
The most efficacious approach to addressing a termite infestation is to eradicate them while they are in their nascent stage. Here’s how to do it:
1. Apply Nematodes
Nematodes are a kind of worm that can eliminate termites. These worms contain gut bacteria that act as a natural insecticide. When nematodes infiltrate the body of a young termite, they poison its blood and cause its death.
These nematodes are sold in gardening stores and are safe for plants, pets, and people. Once released, nematodes reproduce and increase in number, preventing termites from spreading. Within three days of using them, you’ll notice significant improvements.
Beneficial nematodes can help with termite infestations. One simple way to use them is to mix them in a bottle along with water. Then you spray the solution on the affected areas every day. This allows the water to seep into the wood and distribute the nematodes in the same place where the termites live.
It is important to confirm whether the nematodes being used are suitable for termite control as they come in different types.
2. DIY methods
Eliminating adult termites will also eradicate their offspring. To perform termite control on your own, you can make repellents at home by using products like vinegar and orange oil. Alternatively, you can opt for more effective store-bought solutions, such as boric acid, perimeter barriers, and diatomaceous earth.
3. Call the professionals
Specialized companies have the skills to efficiently handle baby termites in buildings. With proven methods and products, they can detect, eliminate and prevent termite invasions. Their extensive knowledge gives them an advantage over those who attempt to combat these pesky pests on their own.
