Content updated: August 21, 2026

Transcript

Termites are small, but detecting them early in their life cycle can prevent an infestation. Let’s examine each stage of their life.

Worker termites are responsible for building and maintaining the termite mound. They also feed the other members of the colony, including the queen and the soldiers.

The queen termite plays a crucial role in the colony, living up to 25 years and laying thousands of eggs daily. Worker termites feed the larvae that hatch from these eggs. As the larvae grow, they develop into various castes, including soldiers, who have large heads and strong jaws to defend the colony from predators.

Once the termite colony is mature, winged termites will exit the mound to mate and establish new colonies.

A termite colony has many roles, and the termite life cycle varies based on its role. For example, queen termites can live for up to 25 years and can lay thousands of eggs. Meanwhile, worker termites feed the larvae, soldiers defend the colony, and winged termites mate and establish new colonies.