Understanding the queen termite

If anyone deserves the right to sing, “We Are the Champions,” it’s the queen termite and her followers. “Termites are among the most successful groups of insects on Earth,” says geophysics professional Mihai Andrei. Termite colonies are often described as “superorganisms” because the colony itself is a self-regulating entity.

Termite queens have the longest lifespan of any insect. And there’s never debate about heirs to the throne. The queen termite simply clones herself. Of the 13 species of insect pests known to cause property damage, termites are considered the kings (and queen, of course).

Damage Control: Queen Termite

The queen termite controls the colony. She determines colony size, the “division of labor,” and serves as the primary egg-layer. She will lay up to a quarter-billion eggs in her lifetime.

Truth be told, there’s much to admire about the queen termite and termite colonies. It’s too bad they’re so destructive… (This is how they became the number-one pests in America.)

In the Phoenix area, termites cause about $1.5 billion each year in structural wood damage.

How to Identify Termite Queens

A queen termite rarely leaves her nest. In fact, it’s difficult for her to “get around” much because she’s usually swollen with eggs.

Queens are light brown, dark brown, or may appear black in color. Because her abdomen is filled with eggs, she may appear larger than other termites in the colony. This is her main purpose. Truly, if the queen termite dies without an “heir to the throne,” all the eggs and the colony itself will die.

Property Protection is Key

You’d think killing the queen is the answer to termite control. It is important, but other pest infestation variables should be considered.

Actually, the best termite control is avoiding termite infestations altogether. Be proactive. These 7 termite prevention tips can be effective:

1 – Consider adding landscaping “termite barriers.”

• A physical particle barrier in your yard is one consideration.
• In Phoenix, a popular termite control technique is a liquid lawn/foundation application.

2 – Keep termite-food away from your foundation.

• Firewood
• Lumber
• Paper piles
• Tree stumps

3- Perform monthly wood-structure visual inspections.

Examine your:

• porches
• decks
• fencing, etc.

4- Resolve moisture issues. 

Arizona termites need moisture to survive. They can be very resourceful about tunneling through building materials to get to a moisture source. You can at least make it more difficult for them. To get started, follow these steps:

1. 1. Make sure your attic is properly ventilated.
   2. Next, perform monthly visual inspections. Check your water heater overflow pan and HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) unit for drips.
   3. Repair leaky pipes, water fixtures, and appliances.
   4. Replace/repair any water-damaged wood.

5 – Schedule a professional termite inspection.

If your home is currently termite-free, keep it that way. Regular pest control maintenance visits now can save time and money later.

6 – Seal property foundation cracks.

Termites are as small as 1/32″. So, they can sneak through cracks in your foundation, roof, and eaves. Indeed, sealing up gaps is vital for your protection.

7 – Seal window/door-mount cracks.

Finally, look for broken screens on windows. And ensure that termites can’t enter underneath doors.

Home Infestations and the ‘Killer’ Queen Termite

The queen termite isn’t driven to destroy. Like most moms, her motivation is to create life and protect her family. But pest control promotes a better quality of life and protects our families.

There’s not much debate about the inevitability of termites in Phoenix. The great state of Arizona is sitting on top of one of the largest, most active termite mounds in North America.

Your local professionals at Budget Brothers Termite and Pest Elimination develop specific solutions for every property. (Example: A termite bond is a great way to protect your property investment.)

Let’s work together to keep your home safe while protecting our environment. Budget Brothers Termite & Pest Elimination is best.

Contact us today.