Even though termites that are mature and reproducing do not typically cause structural damage, eliminating termites as a whole is necessary to eradicate an infestation. Termites have a gradual life cycle, similar to other insects, starting as eggs and progressing through nymphal and adult stages. When discussing termite development, it is common to refer to recently hatched termites as “larvae,” which should not be confused with the larvae of insects that have undergone a full metamorphosis, such as flies.
Identifying Termite Larvae Underground
Termite larvae are roughly the size of termite eggs and are extremely tiny. They resemble miniature termite workers and have delicate, white bodies. The reason for this is that the larvae are still immature.
Larvae of termites (upper left) and termite workers (center):
Termites
Termite Workers and Larvae in the Colony
What Foods Do They Consume?
Larvae consume cellulose, much like adults do. But because the larval termites cannot digest their meal on their own, workers must do it for them.
The Larvae Life Cycle
Larvae undergo multiple molting stages before to reaching adulthood. Larvae undergo this process to become workers, reproductives, or soldiers depending on what the colony requires. The majority become workers since there is a greater need for workers in colonies. Later on, if necessary, worker termites may transform into soldiers. When termite larvae develop into alates, they can spread their wings and procreate.
Termites Larvae Close Up
Termite larvae or immatures—sometimes known as “baby” termites—are the termites that hatch from the eggs. Next, every larva goes through After that, each larva undergoes several molts, or growth and exoskeleton shed cycles, in order to develop into a worker, soldier, or reproductive termite. Pheromones, or chemical signals, are used by the termite king and/or queen to determine the roles that each termite larva will play within the colony.
Larvae that mature into worker termites may remain workers, mature into soldier termites, or develop wing buds in order to become a reproductive (referred to as a nymph), depending on the demands of the colony.
After becoming nymphs, termite larvae can molt to become either secondary reproductives, which aid in the colony’s egg production, or primary reproductives, known as alates, which grow wings and eyes in preparation for swarming. Some worker termites have the ability to molt if necessary in order to develop into tertiary reproductives, which help the termite queen’s laying of eggs.
Not every nymphal termite molts and develops into a reproductive adult. Some nymphs may regressively molt, losing their wing buds to become termite pseudodergates, or “false workers,” if the colony needs more workers.
Termite Larvae-Related Damage
Homes are indirectly harmed by termite larvae. The workers that eat wood in homes must provide food for the larvae even though they do not search for cellulose like mature workers do.
Management & Elimination
If termite larvae are not fed and given protection, they will perish. Termite infestations have the ability to silently demolish homes over extended periods of time, thus it is imperative to promptly handle any indication of termites. It is advised to get professional aid in order to effectively eradicate the pests.
Get in touch with a pest control company if you believe termites are active in or around your property. Termites can cause major financial losses if their damage is left unnoticed. A termite inspector can search a house for indications of activity and termite-friendly environments. Additionally, they can provide services to maintain and guard the house from any future harm.
Chemical Treatments For Termites
- Directly apply Bora-Care on bare wood.
Chemical Procedures
One of the most popular methods is the use of barrier treatments like Termidor on the soil. When using such termiticides, it’s crucial to follow the guidelines on the label because they have the potential to contaminate the neighboring drinking water wells and the residence. Premise (imidacloprid) and Altriset (chlorantraniliprole) are two more popular ones. These are installed all the way around the home, and in addition, neighboring patios and porches are drilled through.
You can apply direct chemicals within your home, such Termidor Foam. If you believe termites may be infesting any cracks, gaps, or voids, shoot it straight into those areas. Termites will die as soon as they come into contact with this noxious residue, which is created as this odorless foam expands and then evaporates. This approach works for a month or just a little bit longer.
To draw termites to the surrounding area rather than the residence, baiting stations can be positioned all around the house. With the usage of these termite baits, stations can be able to detect termites and take further precautions to safeguard the home.