

The only way you’re likely to receive a bite from a soldier termite is if you actually pick one up. So soldier termites aren’t going to attack you-even if you invade the colony and start wiping them out. This type of termite has been created specifically to fight and defend against other insects, not humans. Though soldier termites possess the ability to bite you, it almost never happens.There are a couple of caveats to attach to that statement, though: It is possible that you could get bitten by a soldier termite. Let’s start with the actual act of biting. Do you need to worry about being bitten? Can a soldier termite hurt you? One thing people always worry about when they hear about soldier termites is their bite. Soldier Termite Bite: Do You Need To Be Worried?

No workers, no soldier termites because they can’t survive on their own. They are entirely dependent on workers, who must constantly feed them in order to keep them alive.

One thing soldier termites can’t do? Feed themselves. Some species also bang their heads on the ground to let other termites know that there is danger. Other times, soldiers are used for defense and as a sort of “early warning signal.” For example, if the walls of the colony are breached, it is the soldiers’ job to block and secure that breach, typically by creating a phalanx against would-be intruders. Soldiers use their tough, armored heads to stay safe, and their large mandibles to bite or, in some termite species, fling enemies away. Sometimes this protection specifically involves fighting-typically against other termites or ants. Workers and others are completely defenseless, leaving it up to the soldiers to protect them. Whereas all ants can fight, this is not true in the termite world. What do soldiers do? As their name would imply, they are the fighters and guardians-the defenders of the colony. While there are still workers and a single queen, these insects also have a king (the only one who mates with the queen), reproductives (who fly off to set up new colonies) and, of course, soldiers. Ant colonies follow a similar structure, with a single queen, workers and males who only mate with future queens.Ī termite colony is a bit different. The Role of the Soldier Termiteīee colonies have workers and drones and a queen. When you have a better understanding of what you’re up against, you’ll be far more successful at combating these incredibly destructive pests. In this post, you can learn all about soldier termites and the role that they have in subterranean colonies. How can you protect yourself against these high costs and win the fight against termites? All told, termite damage costs Americans billions of dollars every year, with additional billions being spent to get rid of them. They’re one of the worst fears of every homeowner, for good reason.Ĭatch an infestation too late and your house can literally be eaten away from beneath you, costing you time, stress and a lot of money.
