How Big Are Termites?

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Termites 

There are over 3,000 different termite species in the world. Their appearance, including their individual size, is totally dependent upon the species of termites you are talking about. 

In the United States, there are about 45 different species of termites, however, they all fall into three main ecological groups of termite types: subterranean, drywood or dampwood termites. 

How Big Are Termites?

Almost all termites can be seen with the naked eye, though they are all quite small. Termites measure between 4 to 15 millimeters. In the United States, the most widely distributed type of termite is the Eastern subterranean termite. It measures about 3/8 of an inch or about 10 millimeters long. Western subterranean termites inhabit a very similar length range. Southeastern subterranean termites, on the other hand, are a bit smaller at 7-8 millimeters in length. 

Every colony has a set of reproductive queen and king. These termites are the largest in the colony, sometimes averaging over 1 inch in length. Queen termite sightings are extremely rare, however, so the majority of termites that you might come into contact with will be smaller than this. Most termites you might spot will be worker termites. Worker termites are creamy white-colored, have no eyes and do not have wings. 

You might see termite alates when they swarm in the spring. These termites are the males and females that have reproductive capabilities (workers are sterile) that have left the nest to find their own mates and start a new colony. These alates, or swarmers as they are sometimes called, are winged and can be anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 an inch long including their wings. 

What Is An Average Termite Colony Size?

Again, the size of a termite colony entirely depends on which type of termite you are dealing with. A brand new termite colony can consist of just the newly-mated male and female alate. Drywood termite colonies can grow to include around 10,000 individuals. Subterranean termite colonies, however, can grow to encompass over 1 million termites. Termites never sleep either, so in terms of the damage they can do to your home, no matter the size of the colony, they will munch on your property 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Find A Pest Specialist For Termite Control

If you are concerned about termites and termite control for your home, please give us a call or fill out the form on this page. PestControlExperts.com is a team of experts who are highly qualified to provide the best recommendations for you and your home, no matter which part of the United States you live in.