Termite Life Cycle: How Long Do Termites Live?
Termites may be small, but the destruction they can inflict is huge. We believe one of the most effective methods of protecting your home is to know more about how these creatures live and grow and function in their subterranean communities. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to catch the first signs of trouble early and stop termites in their tracks.
We offer comprehensive termite inspections Perth wide across all suburbs to ensure the homeowner traps them early and is aware of the threat and potential effort in repair.
We will take a look at the termite life cycle, including how long termites live and what attracts them to your home such as damp wood, poor drainage, and even the warmth and shelter your home provides.
How Long Does It Take for a Termite Colony to Mature?
Colonization maturity varies between species, environment, and food availability.
It takes an average of 3–5 years for subterranean termites to mature.
The lead time for a drywood termite is 2 to 10 years.
In hot, wet climates with lots of food, colonies can develop quickly.
How Long Do Termites Actually Live?
Once established, a termite colony can last for generations. Workers and soldiers survive for an estimated 1–2 years, maintaining a state of continuous expansion of the nests. But the queen? She’s in it for the long haul.
The average lifespan of termite queens is the longest among all the members of the colony. Depending on the species:
Underground: Subterranean queens may live between 15 and 30 years.
The queens of drywood termites have been observed to live 10 – 12 years.
And some African termite queens can live to be 50 years old!
That have a lifespan of that length means a colony has plenty of time to mature and cause quite a bit of damage if it goes unaddressed.
When Should You Call a Termite Specialist?
If you start seeing evidence of termites, or even just don’t feel quite right about something, it’s really beneficial to err on the side of caution. Termites are quiet invaders. They could munch their way through timber, skirting boards, wall paneling and even support structures without you realizing a thing.
Some varieties are capable of targeting dry, inaccessible wood, so early detection is key. For that reason, we recommend professional termite inspections and barrier treatment to ensure that your home is afforded the continued protection it deserves.
Book a Termite Assessment Today
We’re here to help if you’re in Perth or surrounding suburbs. Whether you’ve already found swarmers, observed unexplained damage, or you simply want peace of mind, our professional team is on-call to evaluate your home and deliver the best action plan.
Shield Termite Treatment Maylands offers all pest control services in Maylands and surroundings. Feel free to contact us at (08) 6186 7426 or visit our website:
