Did you know that the Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate is the most widely distributed termite species in the eastern region of North America? This pest species of subterranean termite, scientifically known as Reticulitermes flavipes, is found in the southeastern region of the United States and belongs to the endemic genus Reticulitermes. Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates is crucial for effective pest control and management.
Key Takeaways:
- The Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate is the most widely distributed termite species in the eastern region of North America.
- It is a pest species of subterranean termite found in the southeastern region of the United States.
- The Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate is scientifically known as Reticulitermes flavipes.
- Understanding the characteristics and behaviors of Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates is crucial for effective pest control and management.
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate Locations
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates are found in every state in the continental United States except Alaska. They are most common in the warm and humid southeastern region. The Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate, specifically Reticulitermes flavipes, is distributed throughout the entire eastern region of North America, from Ontario, Canada, to Key Largo, Florida. Its counterparts, Reticulitermes virginicus and Reticulitermes hageni, also occur in Florida. Reticulitermes hesperus is found along the entire Pacific Coast, ranging from southern California to British Columbia.
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates primarily nest underground, below the frost line but above the water table. They construct mud galleries or “shelter tubes” to connect the underground termite population with aboveground food sources. These shelter tubes are commonly found on foundation walls and other hard objects.
| Termite Species | Distribution |
|---|---|
| Reticulitermes flavipes | Eastern region of North America (Ontario, Canada, to Key Largo, Florida) |
| Reticulitermes virginicus | Florida |
| Reticulitermes hageni | Florida |
| Reticulitermes hesperus | Pacific Coast (southern California to British Columbia) |
Behaviors of Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates, the reproductive members of the termite colony, exhibit several unique behaviors that are essential for their survival and reproduction.
Annual Flights and Mating
One of the notable behaviors of Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates is their annual flights, also known as swarms. These swarms typically occur during warm, sunny, and windless afternoons, often after rain. During the flight, the male and female alates engage in mating to start new colonies.
After the short flight, the alates drop to the ground and shed their wings. The females then begin searching for potential nesting sites, while the males closely follow behind. Once a suitable location is found, the pair forms a royal chamber in a moist area near a wood source.
Egg Laying and Colony Establishment
In the chosen nesting site, the female Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate starts laying eggs to establish a new termite colony. The eggs are carefully tended to by the female, providing them with optimal conditions for development.
Foraging and Food Source
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates are active foragers, capable of traveling up to 150 feet from the colony in search of food. They primarily feed on cellulose-based materials, with wood being their main source of nourishment.
To ensure the distribution of food within the colony, Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates rely on the practice of mutual feeding and trophallaxis. Through this process, they share partially digested food with other members of the colony, including the soldiers, king, queen, and young nymphs.
The intricate behaviors of Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates, from their mating flights to their foraging and food distribution techniques, contribute to the overall success and adaptation of termite colonies. Understanding these behaviors is crucial for effective pest control and management.
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate Life Cycle and Habitats
The Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate life cycle is a fascinating process that begins with a mating flight of the alates. During this flight, the male and female alates come together to reproduce and start new colonies. After the mating ritual, the female alates find suitable locations and establish their own colonies, where they lay eggs to continue the termite population.
It takes time for a single pair of alates to form a mature colony capable of producing alates. The growth process involves the development of workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites. The queen termite plays a vital role in this process, living for many years and producing thousands of offspring daily.
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates develop underground in nest chambers. To access food sources, they construct mud tubes that provide protection and moisture. These mud tubes act as pathways between the underground nests and the aboveground locations where they find their primary source of sustenance—moist and decaying timber.
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates are highly dependent on specific habitat conditions for their survival. They require high humidity and temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. These conditions are necessary to maintain their metabolism and overall well-being. The termites thrive in environments where decaying wood is readily available.
Interestingly, Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates can also establish subsidiary colonies within structures that have regular moisture sources, even without direct contact with the ground. This ability expands their potential habitats, making it essential to address any moisture issues within buildings and structures to prevent infestation.
| Eastern Subterranean Termite Alate Life Cycle and Habitats | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Life Cycle | Mating flight of the alates | Egg-laying and colony establishment | Mature colony development | |
| Habitats | Underground nest chambers | Mud tubes for accessing food sources | Moist and decaying timber as preferred habitat | Potential establishment of subsidiary colonies within structures with regular moisture sources |
What Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates Eat
Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates primarily feed on cellulose-based materials, such as wood. They consume the structural components of plant cells, making any wood material in a house a potential food source. These termites can also damage non-wood materials in search of food. Eastern Subterranean Termite Alates have a well-ordered social system, and workers play a vital role in gathering food (timber and other cellulose), constructing tunnels, repairing and enlarging the nest, grooming each other, and feeding the soldiers, king, queen, and young nymphs. They rely on mutual feeding and trophallaxis to distribute partially digested food within the colony.
Where to Find Eastern Subterranean Termites on Your Property
Eastern Subterranean Termites are notorious for finding their way into properties through various entry points. They can enter through cracks or joints in the foundation, or by constructing shelter tubes along the foundation wall. These termite pests have the ability to infest buildings through areas that are difficult to inspect, such as in-fill patios, fire heaths, expansion joints, and even cracks in concrete slab flooring. They can even travel under parquetry or tile flooring through gaps as narrow as 1/16″ wide.
One of the main factors that attracts Eastern Subterranean Termites is moisture. They tend to target areas with wood-to-ground contact, as well as moist areas around the property. These termites navigate through the soil, creating mud tubes or shelter tubes to protect themselves as they explore for food or travel between their colony and food sources.
To prevent infestation, it is crucial to take proactive measures. Keep structural lumber off the ground and maintain a gap between siding and the ground. Fix any plumbing leaks promptly and ensure proper ventilation and drainage around the property. Regularly inspect your property for signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes or wood damage, to catch any potential infestations early and take appropriate action.
