Termites are social creatures with their own caste system, and termite queens are the matriarch. Every single termite inside a colony has hatched from one of her eggs.
Queens are easily identified by an engorged body much larger than every other termite. This body pulsates as it produces roughly 1,000 eggs per day at optimal capacity. They are incapable of moving and require support from worker termites.
Originally a primary reproductive emerges from swarmers to become queen of a new colony. At this time, her body resembles a swarmer with wings and normal size. After fertilization, her body changes dramatically to accommodate egg production.
Body expands until exoskeleton is so thin it turns translucent. At peak production, queen can be the size of a human finger.
Subterranean queens are lighter colored (never emerge from underground). Drywood queens are more yellow or brown.
Can grow up to 6 inches long (100x bigger than typical termite). Head and legs remain same size while body engorges.
The termite queen plays the most critical role in the entire colony. She is responsible for producing all eggs the colony needs. Worker termites carry eggs out of the royal chambers to clean and maintain them until hatching.
Initially production is not at full capacity. After growing into her fully formed body, she produces several hundred to 1,000 eggs daily depending on species.
Controls pheromones that trigger development cues determining caste selection of nymphs. Secretes substance that workers consume.
Includes queen, king, and alates (all fertile termites). Alates swarm to new location where only one emerges as queen.
Queen controls whether secondary reproductives develop. Introduces new egg-laying queen to expand colony if needed.
Professional treatment causes the entire colony to collapse.
Call (866) 326-2847Important: Termites should be caught much sooner than the queen's lifespan because most termites can completely destroy a house in a few years if not treated in time.
During optimal conditions, termite queens can lay several thousand eggs in one day. With year-round egg laying, that can result in over 9 million eggs in a termite's lifespan. New satellite colonies could also emerge, producing the same number of hatchlings.
Found deep within colony, protected by thick walls or underground. Since she cannot move, getting her out is unlikely. Colony must be destroyed to reach her.
Locating the queen is not required. Fumigation, baiting, and soil treatments cause colony collapse. Without workers, queen and eggs cannot survive.
The queen releases a pheromone that stifles development of secondary reproductives. Once she dies and that pheromone stops, another queen emerges from the nymphs to perpetuate the colony. This is why complete colony treatment is essential.
While finding the queen is rare, it is important that termites are effectively treated to prevent further damage. EcoGuard Pest Management can help inspect and properly treat for termites, causing the entire colony including the queen to be eliminated.
The termite queen is the egg-producing matriarch of a termite colony. Every termite in a colony has come from one of her eggs. She plays a large role in colony development, communication, and task delegation.
Termite queens' bodies are so large that their legs are not strong enough to move without worker termite help. It is not until fully developed that she becomes immobile.
Queen termites can technically bite but they do not leave the safety of their breeding chambers. Soldier termites are the ones that bite to protect the queen.
Termite queens are found deep within the colony in the breeding chambers. This part of the nest is connected by tunnels to chambers used to house and hatch eggs.
