Understanding Termites Thru Pictures Chapter 1 Section III – Termite Control Basics of the Pest Bear & Affiliates Service Personnel Development Program , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Worker Termites Small soft-bodied insects Usually cream colored with darker head Have no visible compound eyes Have no wings or wing pads Found in large numbers Do the majority of the damage caused by a colony , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Soldier Termites Larger than the workers Cream colored with an enlarged dark head Head has enlarged mandibles Mandibles are used to protect the colony Are fed by the workers Are found in the fewer numbers than workers , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Reproductive Termites Are usually black in color When ready to swarm, they will develop four wings of equal length They lose their wings shortly after swarming Both males and females swarm Mating takes place outside of the colony and after swarming , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Identifying Termite Tunnels is the Primary Identifying Characteristic Tunnels are made of mud, feces and masticated wood When fresh, tunnels will have a darker color and will be sturdy Active tunnels will contain termites Old tunnels are usually brittle and empty , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Termite Tunnels and Water Tunnels are often found in association with water and wells Pipes which sweat are a good source of moisture needed by the colony Always inspect carefully around areas where water pipes go into or out of the structure , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Swarming Tubes and Damage Termites will often swarm from aerial tubes called swarming tubes or exploratory tunnels. They may go up from the ground or down from the underside of the wood Termite damage will usually contain mud and will be hollow sounding Old damage is usually brittle and contains no insects , Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved