About This Quiz
Most termites are actually beneficial -- they eat dead plant matter and contribute to the recycling of nutrients in the environment. Unfortunately, that dead plant matter could be the wood in your house.There are 3,000 termite species -- they basically live anyplace in the world where the ground doesn't freeze.
Subterranean termites live underground and need to eat wood that's close to the ground. And basements are pretty convenient.
Termites kind of look like ants, but they're actually closer to cockroaches.
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There are a few physical differences between termites and ants, but one of the telltale signs is that termites have straight antennae.
The king and queen are the only ones that have eyes. The rest of the colony is blind.
Worker termites can be male or female -- in bee colonies, on the other hand, workers are only female.
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Termite queens can live for 25 years, sometimes laying thousands of eggs a day.
Some adult termites develop wings and take a "nuptial flight" outside the colony. They lose their wings when they land, so it's their first and only flight.
Termite wings inside your home are a pretty sure sign -- remember, they shed their wings after they migrate. If they've made it inside, they most likely came through the walls.
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You can sign a termite bond, or contract, with an exterminator who will inspect your home regularly and guarantee to future buyers that the home is termite-free.