Social Insects
Termites are colony-forming, social insects that eat dead plant material. Termite colonies may contain a few hundred to a few million individuals. A colony is made primarily of workers, a group of fierce soldiers, often several queens, nymphs, and reproductive males.
Approximately 400 of the 4,000 classified species of termite are known to cause damage to human-made structures. Damage to wood timbers by termites is estimated at $5-10 billion per year. Extermination utilizes barriers and chemical deterrents to prevent termites from entering wood structures.
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Fast Facts
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Fact:
Are called white ants, although they're a natural enemy of real ants
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Fact:
Large colonies contain several queens
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Fact:
The largest colonies contain more than 10 million individuals
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Fact:
Termites cause $5-10 billion in damage to homes and businesses
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Fact:
Are social insects, self-organizing, and cooperate to survive.
