The life cycle of drywood termites, while similar in some respects to that of other termite species, is uniquely adapted to their wood-only environment. This cycle consists of several key stages, each contributing to the growth and eventual destructiveness of a colony within wooden structures. Understanding this life cycle helps in identifying termite infestations early and implementing appropriate control measures.
1. Swarmers (Alates)
- Purpose: Reproduction and new colony formation.
- Description: Swarmers, also known as alates, are the winged reproductive members of the colony. They are typically produced once the colony reaches maturity, which can take several years.
- Swarming: Swarming occurs in warm temperatures, often during late summer or fall. The swarmers emerge from their natal colony, usually flying towards light sources.
- Mating: After a brief flight, the alates shed their wings, land, and search for a mate. Each pair works together to find a wooden crevice or an opening where they can start a new colony.
2. Establishment of a New Colony
- Nesting: The mated pair (king and queen) burrows into wood, creating a small chamber where they can mate and start laying eggs.
- Laying Eggs: Initially, the queen lays only a small number of eggs, which hatch into tiny, soft-bodied nymphs.
- Parental Care: In the beginning, the king and queen care for the first batch of offspring, which will eventually grow into workers and soldiers to support the new colony.
3. Growth of the Colony
- Workers: The nymphs develop into workers, which are responsible for tunneling and feeding within the wood. They are the most numerous members of the colony and perform all essential tasks.
- Soldiers: Some nymphs mature into soldiers, which have large, strong jaws for defense but are otherwise unable to feed themselves.
- Soldiers: Some nymphs mature into soldiers, which have large, strong jaws for defense but are otherwise unable to feed themselves.
4. Colony Expansion and Continued Destruction
- Long-Term Growth: Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need soil contact and can survive entirely within the wood. They slowly expand their network of galleries as they consume the wood.
- Structural Damage: Over time, the colony grows larger and causes extensive damage to wooden structures. This may go unnoticed until the damage becomes severe, as the termites avoid breaking the surface of the wood.
- Production of New Swarmers: Once the colony is well-established and large enough, it begins to produce new swarmers, repeating the cycle.
5. Signs of Infestation and Prevention
- Common Signs: Signs of a drywood termite infestation include:
- Frass: Small, hexagonal pellets expelled from the wood.
- Swarmer sightings: Especially during warm months when new swarmers are produced.
- Hollow-sounding wood: As termites hollow out wood, it may sound empty or thin when tapped.
- Prevention: Sealing cracks in wooden structures and using treated or less-susceptible wood types can help prevent infestation. Once detected, professional treatments such as fumigation or localized wood treatments are often necessary.
Summary
The life cycle of drywood termites starts with the swarming stage, followed by the establishment of a new colony, growth through worker and soldier development, and eventual large-scale wood destruction. Since drywood termites can thrive completely inside wood, their presence is often discovered only after significant damage has occurred.
