Last Updated December 29th, 2022: As the owner of a house, watching out for termite infestation is very important. Termites are wood eaters that can cause serious damage to the wooden structures in your home, hence, the need to be wary. You need to know what do termite eggs look like, to ensure that you’ll be able to spot any signs of termite reproduction and keep your home safe!
Termites present an example of social insects that live together in colonies. They live in hidden nesting places which make early detection difficult. If you find termite eggs somewhere around the house, that is a clear sign of a possible infestation. But then, you might be wondering, what do termite eggs look like?
The eggs themselves are not harmful in any way but the termites that eventually come out of those eggs should be the cause for concern. Similar to termite poop, but being able to identify what they look like, will give you an early sign of termite activity! Follow along to learn the distinct features that will help you tell termite eggs apart from other insect eggs.
What Do Termite Eggs Look Like?: Size, Color, and Location
Size of Termite Eggs
Termites are very small and oval-shaped, which makes it very easy to miss them. It is very unlikely that you would see a termite egg alone as they are usually in clusters.
Color of Termite Eggs
Regardless of what species of termites are present, the color of their eggs can be white, yellow, or pale orange. Usually, they are transparent, jelly-like, and can appear as piles of powder. The eggs require about four weeks before they hatch to release the nymphs.
Are Termite Eggs Visible?
Yes, termite eggs are visible, but they are usually very small, oval-shaped, and white or transparent in color. They are often laid deep inside the termite’s nest, so they can be difficult to find!
Where Will You Find Termite Eggs?
One thing you should know is that termite eggs can’t be seen lying around just anywhere. They are found in hidden places inside the nest where the termites protect them. If you find many clusters of eggs, take action immediately because that means the colony is fully established. You can also check tunnels, mud tubes, and damp wood. Check for small holes in wooden structures or materials that contain cellulose. Sighting termite eggs close to the surface shows that their nest is very close.
There are cases where the eggs of termites may appear as feces but where it is located should give you a clue as to what it is. Termite feces are found around an infested material while the eggs are found only inside the nest. Don’t confuse it. As for the drywood termites, their nests are hidden in structures like walls or furniture, while that of the subterranean termites is usually laid four to eighteen inches below the ground.
A striking difference between both of them is the location of their nest. As we mentioned earlier, drywood termites have their nest hidden in structures such as walls or furniture or wooden materials while that of the subterranean termites is four to eighteen inches below the ground. Also, the number of eggs produced differ according to the species.
Where Do Termite Eggs Come From?
There are multiple different types of termites that are involved with termite egg production:
The Queen Termite
This is the largest member of the colony. The major duty of the queen is laying eggs which can number in thousands daily. Throughout the period of her life, she can produce millions of eggs. The number of eggs produced depends on the species and age of the queen, as well as the climatic condition of the area. The tropics favor more egg production while cold regions can reduce or even stop egg production. Termite queens can live up to 25 years long which can mean millions of termite eggs in their lifetime.
The Worker Termites
When the queen is done laying eggs and gone on to hatch them, the workers start caring and nurturing the nymphs until they are matured. The workers provide the hatched termites with food and care. They also take care of the nest. Workers make up the largest part of the termite colony, which is usually around 90% – 98% of the entire colony.
The Reproductive Termites
They are also called swarmers and are responsible for forming new colonies. Swarmers have two pairs of wings. The reproductives are divided into male and female. After they have mated, their wings will fall off. Look out for their dark-colored body because that is one way to identify them.
Their entire goal is to form new colonies and grow the overall number of termites.
The Soldiers
Their duty is to guard the colony. Soldiers have strong mandibles which they use for defense.
How To Get Rid Of Termite Eggs:
When termites are in their eggs, they are incredibly fragile. Follow our guide on how to get rid of and prevent termites to find out effective termite treatments that will get rid of any live termites as well as termite eggs.
How Long Do Termite Eggs Last?
Termite eggs last between 20-30 days. Once they’ve hatched they are larvae and the worker termites tend to the larvae and help them grow.
Final Thoughts On Termite Eggs
Termites are destructive pests that have the ability to ruin your furniture, foundation, ceilings, and floors. Early detection is necessary as it will save you the cost of repairs and damages. Be on the lookout for termite eggs and seek professional help as soon as you spot them. I hope you’ve enjoyed our guide on what do termite eggs look like! Check out our additional termite guides!
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