Conehead Termites

Identification

  • Colour Cream colour body with dark brown or black head
  • Size From 3 to 4 mm
  • Also known as Nasutitermes corniger
  • Description Have a large, bloated head that resembles a helmet and a long, tubular snout
  • Notes Can project the defensive material up to 25 mm away

How to identify Conehead Termites

Individual soldiers each have a large, bloated head that resembles a helmet. Ranging in size from 3 to 4 mm, conehead soldiers are cream in colour on the body while the head appears dark brown or black. Additionally, the insect possesses a long, tubular snout that discharges a glue-like material to irritate and entangle predators. The pests can project the defensive material up to 25 mm away.

Signs of an infestation

Unusual among termites, members of the conehead species construct parts of their nests aboveground, potentially making detection a bit easier. The existence of any mound-like structures or mud tubes along the trunks of trees in the yard is therefore a pretty good indication that a conehead termite infestation is present. Residents of infested areas may also notice the oddly shaped soldiers themselves, as conehead termites remain aboveground to forage.

Conehead Termites Removal

Due to the aggressive and effective foraging of conehead termites, homeowners who suspect an infestation should contact a pest control professional immediately. Professional specialists have access to and can safely implement various chemical treatments to the soil surrounding the home and the conehead termite nest.

How to prevent Conehead Termites from invading

As conehead termites require a certain amount of moisture to survive, one way to prevent the pests from infesting is by fixing all leaky pipes, eradicating moisture build-ups around the home, and ensuring that drainage flows away from the house. Additionally, check the home for cracks in the foundation and other small openings, and seal the potential entry points with caulk. Store lumber and firewood away from the house and off the ground, and keep trees and shrubs from touching or hanging over the home.

Habitat, Diet, and Life Cycle

Habitat

Conehead termites originated from Central and South America. They are also found in the Caribbean and other tropical climate zones. Though technically classified as subterranean termites, the pests often expand their nests to include aboveground mounds and mud tubes that extend up trees.

Diet

Just like all other termite species, conehead soldiers eat wood. More specifically, they enjoy any cellulose-rich substance including trees, shrubs, roots, wooden structural support beams, fence posts, wooden furniture, and paper products.

Life Cycle

The soldiers of conehead termite colonies are sterile. Only the king and queen of the colony are responsible for reproduction.

Commonly Asked Questions

How worried should I be about Conehead Termites?

Conehead termite colonies grow quickly and may eventually contain millions of the wood-eating pests. In addition to their tendency to nest in great numbers, the insects are aggressive and cause serious property damage within a short period of time. On average, a conehead termite infestation costs more money to resolve than infestations of other termite species.

Other pests related to Conehead Termites

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