Nasutiform Termites – a New Resident in the United States

As if there weren’t enough species of termites in the U.S. already, a new kind was introduced at the beginning of this century. Nasutiform termites are native to the Caribbean Islands, but in 2001 they were found in Broward County in Florida. Most likely, the freeloaders hitched a ride on a ship.

Nose Termites and a Termite Control Company

The nose termite, as they are popularly called, is a form of subterranean termite, but the soldier ants have a distinctive projection from their heads that acts as a tube for spitting out a sticky substance in defense against their enemies.

Not surprisingly, these termites have colonies that grow populations into the millions. A big difference in the nose termite and its U.S. cousins is how it builds a home. Their nests are extensive, and not only are they capable of building them underground, they also have mounds at ground level. They even nest in trees. They travel by way of tubes, the same as other subterranean termites.

Termite Control and Naustiform Termites

Although they are not considered as problematic as other termites in their species, nose termites can still destroy your home.

Soldier termites are identifiable by their dark heads with a nasus or snout protruding from it. The alates are dark brown and have wings that are dark too. Worker nose termites are almost translucent like the subterranean termites that already existed in the U.S.

Exterminators have already become well versed in the habits and lifestyle of the nose termite, and if you have any suspicions that you may be harboring them, you should call a professional immediately.