What Do Baby Termites Look Like?

Termite larvae are tiny little insects capable of making huge holes in wooden structures. Termites live socially in colonies where each member has a specific job to perform towards a common goal. Within their population, baby termites play a significant role in making the life cycle of the colony.

But what do they look like? What do they eat? And how do they grow? We will address all these questions in this guide, giving you ideas on identifying and handling them.

Explaining Termite Lifecycle

The termite life cycle starts with eggs laid by the queen. These eggs hatch into larvae called baby termites. At this stage, they are soft-bodied and dependent upon workers for food.

During the moulting stages, the baby termites continue to grow and experience various changes in their bodies and eventually become one of the three types of termites:

• Worker termites: Being the most common, they carry out several activities, such as tunnelling, feeding others, and expanding the colony.
• Soldier termites: These protect the nest from enemies like ants and other predatory species.
• Reproductive termites (swarmers): These termites leave their colonies to start new ones.

Most importantly, the correct growth of baby termites is important for the survival and growth of the whole colony.

Physical Features of Baby Termites

“What do baby termites look like?” This is a common question many people ask. They are minuscule insects, often misunderstood by other larval types such as ants and even beetles.

Here are the distinct features of baby termites:

• Size: They are mostly 1-2mm in size, and they are very small.
• Color: They have a translucent, white to pale, creamy body.
• Body Structure: Their body is soft and has a segmented shape.

Due to their pale markings, many people get confused between flying termites with carpenter ants and others. This is why, proper investigations for termites are necessary to distinguish them from other pests.

What Do Baby Termites Eat?

Baby termites consume cellulose. It is a natural substance found in wood, paper, and plant-based materials. This substance is hard for baby termites to digest, so the workers assist them in digesting it. For this reason, worker termites feed the babies with their pre-digested cellulose via the trophallaxis process.

The following materials are very common in their diet:

• Old wood from old houses, fallen logs, and trees.
• Paper products such as cardboard, books, and wallpaper.
• Cotton and plant fibres.
• Decaying plant materials from moist locations.

This feeding mechanism aids in the colony’s spending and causes immense destruction to homes and other wooden structures.

How Do Baby Termites Get Their Food?

Baby termites get their food delivered directly into their mouth by workers, who inject the feedstuff into the baby’s gullet during trophallaxis. In order to digest cellulose, baby termites need to get enzymes. If workers are not present to help the babies, babies will have a very low chance of survival in the colony.

What Is the Termite Swarming Season?

Colonies become congested when a queen lays too many eggs. To overcome this, reproductive termites grow wings and leave the nest to create a new one. This process is called swarming.

Swarming generally starts from spring to early summer, mostly after rains. During this period, swarming termites multiply in huge numbers near potential nesting sites. Once they find a suitable place, they shed their wings, mate, and start a new termite nest.

How to Identify Baby Termites?

While baby termites are hard to spot, here are some signs of their infestation:

1.   Mud Tubes

Mud tubes are made by termites to protect themselves while they travel. These tubes typically be found along walls, floors, or the foundation.

2.   Damaged Wood

Finding hollow wood or holes in your furniture indicates a termite infestation.

3.   Termite Droppings

Termite droppings are pellets in shape that termites leave behind after consuming wood.

4.   Swarming Termites

If you see swarmers, there could be a termite colony somewhere close to you. While ants and termites may look similar, termites have straight antennae and equally sized wings. On the other hand, ants have bent antennae and uneven wings.

Pro Tips to Eliminate Baby Termites

1.   Use Nematodes

Nematodes are microscopic worms that serve as a natural insecticide. They invade the baby termites and release bacteria that poison their bodies, leading to death.

If you want to use nematodes, mix them with water and spray them on the affected areas. This method will increase the moisture which helps them reach deeper into the wood and attack the termite nest.

2.   Try DIY Methods

There are various DIY controls to kill matured termites and their progeny. The most common among them are backyard treatments:

• Orange oil spray: A remedy against dry wood termites.
• Boric acid: An effective killing solution that acts as a poison against termites.
• DIY traps: Install termite barriers to keep away infestations.

3.   Keep Wood Away from Soil

Termites love to thrive in moist areas. However, avoid contact between soil and any wooden construction of your house. Keeping a gap-free from the soil between wood reduces the chances of subterranean termites invasion into your home.

4.   If Nothing Works, Call Professionals

If the infestation is quite severe, just go for professional treatment. These professionals are experts and use treatments like:

• Fumigation for serious and widespread cases
• Spectracide termite sprays for smaller colonies
• After termite baits to prevent future infestations

The cost for professional termite inspections may vary based on damages and treatment types. However, spending on professional pest control services would be worth to invest to ensure the safety of your home.

Conclusion

Baby termites are small but important in the termite life cycle. These babies have soft bodies and mostly rely on worker termites which help them in feeding. If left untreated, they mature and become workers and soldiers, leading to heavy damage to your property. If you adopt DIY remedies or sell for professional help, it will keep your property safe.

FAQs

1.How can I find baby termites in the home?

There are many ways to do it. Some of the major signs include swarming termites, damaged wood, termite droppings, and mud tubes.

2.Do baby termites cause harm to humans?

Since baby termites can’t bite, they can’t cause any harm to humans directly. Once they become adult, they may cause damage to the wood structure of your house.

3.How much will termite treatment cost?

The total cost mainly depends on the infestation level. Moreover, treatments like fumigation and others depend on the species and the damage level they cause.

Call Professionals Before Baby Termite Becomes Adult!

It is easy to handle if you notice baby termites around your property. Once they become adult, it becomes hard to eliminate them. Act fast and call Safe Pest Sol. Our expert pest control services are always available for you.