How Do Termites Communicate?

brad 0 Comments March 11, 2019 Pests termites WDO Inspection

We know humans communicate by talking and we can hear animals communicate all the time, but what do Pensacola Termites do? Just like other animals, termites have developed a unique way of communicating to each other. Let’s jump right in and take a closer look at the types of communication termites employ!

Vibrations

In order to inform the rest of the nest of an incoming predator, termites have developed a unique way of communicating. It’s actually very similar to something you might see a person do at a rock concert. Head banging! Termites use their heads to bang against the walls of their nest to let the other termites know that the nest is under attack.

Banging their heads creates vibrations that spread throughout the nest. Once one termite feels the vibrations it does the exact same type of movement, sending the vibration echoing throughout the nest! Message received loud and clear.

Legs

When the warning vibration goes out that’s made from a head banger, soldier termites run towards the predator while the worker termites go further into the nest to protect their queen. But how do they know where to run?

Scientists have been able to see that termites are able to detect which leg feels the warning vibration first. Depending on the answer, they either run towards that leg or towards the one that felt the vibration last.

Pheromones

Another way termites communicate is through their pheromones. A strong example of this can be seen when new reproductive termites need to be formed (worker termites can molt into soldier or reproductive termites). The need for new reproductive termites can occur when kings or queens die.

During their lifetime, a king or queen termite will emit a pheromone that tells the other members of the nest that there is no need for reproductive termites to be produced. This will stop the workers from molting into royalty and is a way of controlling the caste system in the nest.

But when a king or queen dies, a spot opens up for new royalty. Once the king or queen dies there’s also a lowered production of the pheromone. Thus, when the levels of pheromone drop, worker termites are able to molt into new royalty.

Think you might need Pensacola Termite Treatment?

Termites are very intelligent creatures that will take over your home or property without a warning! It’s recommended to have regular checks around your home done by a professional to catch them as early as possible and prevent termite damage!

CALL US FOR A TERMITE INSPECTION IN PENSACOLA (850) 492-9225

Be aware of these 6 Termite Warning Signs.