Introduction | Why Termites Deserve a Closer Look
June 2025 — Termites might not be the first pest farmers think about when protecting their crops, certainly not as immediate as the codling moth or navel orange worm. Yet beneath their unobtrusive appearance lies a quiet threat, capable of harming agricultural yields in select crops and causing damage to homes, barns, and buildings. Known by most for their penchant for devouring wooden structures, termites date back to approximately 250 million years ago during the Triassic period. Interestingly, despite the common misconception of termites being related to or a type of any, they are actually more closely related to cockroaches, classified within the insect order Blattodea. With some termite queens living for over 20 years, these insects demonstrate remarkable resilience and longevity — probably not what you wanted to hear.
A Glimpse into the Termite World
Termites are eusocial insects similar to honey bees, meaning they cooperate in caring for their young, have overlapping generations, and divide labor into reproductive and non-reproductive groups. Termites are renowned for their complex colonies and cooperative behaviors and their ability to make a meal from wood. They have micro-organism symbionts living in their guts that digest cellulose and lignocellulose and release nutrients to the termite in exchange for their harborage. Their colonies are composed of various castes, including workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites. The lifecycle of termites starts from eggs laid by the queen, developing into nymphs that subsequently specialize into their respective roles. Workers tirelessly feed and maintain the colony, soldiers defend against threats, and reproductive termites ensure the continuation of the species.
Widely distributed globally, termites particularly thrive in warm, humid climates, frequently causing significant issues in subtropical and tropical regions. Within the United States, termites pose considerable challenges, notably in southern states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas, where conditions perfectly align with termite preferences.
Agricultural Implications | Are Termites Really a Problem for Farmers?
Though termites rarely dominate headlines in agricultural pest discussions, they nonetheless pose a genuine threat to specific crops. Farmers cultivating sugarcane, maize, rice, wheat, groundnuts, and various fruit trees must remain vigilant. Termites can damage crops by attacking roots and stems, tunneling through plant tissues, weakening the plant’s structure, and impeding vital water and nutrient flow.
Conditions conducive to termite infestations typically feature high humidity and warmth. Wet seasons often exacerbate termite activity, increasing the urgency of preventive measures during such periods. Conversely, in cooler climates or regions with managed irrigation and proactive soil health practices, termite threats are significantly mitigated.
Frequently Asked Questions About Termites | Answered by FarmSense’s Entomologists
We chatted with FarmSense’s award-winning entomologists, Dr. Leslie Hickle, Dr. Tracy Ellis, and Dr. Cliff Kitayama, to address some of the most frequently asked questions about termites to provide advice straight from the pros. Before we jump into our termite FAQ, it is worth mentioning that if you believe you may have a termite problem, it is in your best interest to have a licensed pest control professional evaluate your situation and, if warranted, treat the termites and repair the damaged wood.
Is it safe to live in a house with termites?
In the short term, a small infestation of termites poses little immediate threat. However, their prolonged presence may considerably weaken the structural integrity of wooden structures by feeding on main roof beams, load bearing elements, and wall framing, potentially resulting in hazardous conditions and expensive repairs.
How do I get rid of termites?
Effective termite eradication requires professional intervention, including accurate species identification (there are over 2,000 species of termites) Â and specialized treatments like strategic removal of damaged wood, baiting, chemical applications, or fumigation. Do-it-yourself or DIY methods may miss the target of the main colony (or colonies as there can be more than one species present) and queen, allowing the colony to perpetuate and leading to a false sense of security, potentially exacerbating infestations.
Why did termites suddenly appear in my house?
Termites commonly appear due to conducive environmental conditions, such as damp wood, high humidity at a location, excessive moisture, wood-to-soil contact, all areas where nearby expanding termite colonies may infest during swarming seasons.
How can I tell if I have termites?
Common signs include mud tubes along walls, damaged or hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings from swarmers, and termite droppings (frass) that look like piles of tiny wood shavings. A professional inspection remains the most reliable detection method. Another reason that a professional pest service can be beneficial is that you may have multiple termite species in the same area and each species can have its own telltale signs of infestation.
How can I protect my home from termites?
Prevention involves reducing moisture near foundations, sealing points of entry to the attic or framing such as plumbing or electrical conduit breaches into the structure, screening attic, roof and chimney vents with rugged metal mesh screening, sealing window sills and framing where cracks often form, storing wood scraps and firewood away from structures, and scheduling regular inspections. Professional termite barriers offer enhanced protection.
Can I treat termites on my own?
Unfortunately, self-treatment is strongly discouraged because of possible misidentification and/or mis-characterization on the extent of infestation, and/or ineffective and wasteful insecticide application that does not treat the queen and main colony. DIY approaches seldom fully eradicate colonies and frequently complicate matters sometimes because of the mis-use of insecticides. Professional intervention can ensure a complete diagnosis and treatments from reputable companies that have termite removal guarantees.
How quickly do termites spread?
Termite damage usually occurs quite slowly, giving the homeowner plenty of time to research the estimates and work with several companies to obtain services that most closely meet the needs and address concerns of the homeowner. A termite colony expands methodically, budding off new winged male kings and female queens that fly to establish new infestations at suitable locations. The rate of spread is influenced by environmental conditions and resource availability.
Do termites go away on their own?
Termites rarely leave hospitable environments independently. Infestations typically intensify without professional, targeted intervention.
Should I be concerned if I see termites?
Observing even a single termite warrants attention, as this or discarded wings from mated termites could signal a larger hidden infestation. Collect or photograph the insect and have it identified by a professional. Expert inspections can preemptively identify and resolve potential issues, saving substantial future repair costs.
Do termites bite or sting humans?
Termites neither sting nor frequently bite humans, and even rare bites pose no danger. Nonetheless, direct contact should be avoided due to potential allergenic or irritant effects.
The Takeaway | Taking Termites Seriously
While termites may not commonly concern farmers like more notorious pests, their capacity to inflict subtle yet significant harm merits attention. Their ability to affect both agricultural productivity and the structural integrity of wooden structures emphasizes the necessity of proactive monitoring. Maintaining awareness and promptly consulting pest management experts allows homeowners (and farmers) to effectively mitigate termite-related risks, safeguarding both crops and property investments.