Termite colonies have three castes with important roles in the colony: The reproductive king and queen are responsible for increasing the numbers, the workers build tunnels and care for young, and last but not least are the soldiers, which defend the colony. So, let’s explore what soldier termites look like and what they do.
How to Identify Soldier Termites
Soldier termites are similar to their working counterparts in a few ways.
- Translucent bodies
- Broad “waists”
- Straight antennae
- Six short legs
However, soldier termites have a few distinguishing characteristics that set them apart from the other castes.
- Size: Larger than workers but smaller than the king and queen
- Head shape: Long, rectangular heads
- Color: Heads and bodies are darker in color than a worker’s (may vary a bit by species)
- Jaws: Huge mandibles
Their impressive set of jaws is used for the sole purpose of defending the colony from enemies like ants. The head and jaws of a soldier termite are basically their helmets.
The soldier termites use their powerful mandibles to leap away from ants by snapping the ground, or they can use them to push away and kill ants. Think of them like a spear or a lance. They will also beat their jaws against the ground as an intimidation display, similar to banging on a war drum. This repeated banging also alerts other termites to the threat.
Do soldier termites have wings? No, soldier termites do not have wings, since wings are not necessary for their role within the colony. Wings are reserved for reproductive termites, also known as swarmers, who need them to fly away from the colony to start a nest of their own. The soldier caste of termites rarely, if ever, become reproductive termites.
Soldier Ants vs. Soldier Termites
Soldier ant: Vinicius Rodrigues de Souza / Canva Pro / License
Soldier termite: ApisitWilaijit / Canva Pro / License
Some species of ant colonies also have soldier ants who defend the nest from invaders. However, soldier ants have dual roles as workers as well as soldiers. But how do you spot the differences between soldier ants and soldier termites?
| Soldier Ant | Soldier Termite | |
| Head | Large, broad heads with giant mandibles and compound eyes | Long, rectangular, darker heads with large mandibles, and most are blind |
| Body | Defined segments and a pinched “waist” | Defined body segments with a large head and broad thorax/abdomen |
| Legs | Long legs | Short legs |
| Antennae | Smooth, bent antennae | Straight, beaded antennae |
What is a Soldier Termite’s Role in the Colony?
Photo Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org / Ipmimages
The soldier termite caste is equipped to defend the colony against invaders, which are typically ants. Here are the two major ways soldiers keep the colony safe against predators:
They bite: Although they don’t typically bite humans unless they’re being manhandled, yes, soldier termites can and will bite. Mostly, they bite other insects that invade the nest, so you don’t have to worry about getting nipped unless you’re an ant. Termite bites on human skin are only a minor pinch, and they don’t carry diseases.
They “spit” or secrete defensive fluids: Some species of termite soldiers engage in a type of chemical warfare. Some can squirt a liquid that ants find disgusting, and others have an anticoagulant venom: Once they puncture the cuticle of an invading insect, the venom prevents the wound from healing so that the ant will eventually succumb and die.
Formosan termites release a sticky fluid known as naphthalene out of their gullet when they bite, however it leaves them weak and on the verge of death unless they’re tended to by the workers. It’s the human equivalent of ejecting your stomach out of your body.
Conehead termites secrete a fine strand that is used to lasso the ant and immobilize it.
Ants vs. Termite Soldiers: A Long, Proud History
Ants have been the main enemy of termites for over 100 million years. They are predators to termites and use them as a food source, so when ants and termites come into contact, it will always be a fight to the death.
Termites have other enemies, including spiders, beetles, wasps, roaches, centipedes, and scorpions. So naturally, termites need a system of defense, and that’s where soldier termites come in.
How to Get Rid of Soldier Termites
You will probably not be surprised to learn that the way to get rid of soldier termites is the same as getting rid of any other termite.
Pro Methods
- Termite bait stations
- Termiticides like fipronil and imidacloprid
- Termite tenting
- Heat treatment
- Cold treatment (liquid nitrogen)
- Microwave termite treatment
DIY methods
- Nematodes
- Spraying boric acid
- Essential oils like neem oil or orange oil
DIY at home treatments are mainly effective during the early stages of termites. If you’re dealing with a large-scale infestation, you need to bring in the big guns.
Professional termite control specialists will have heavy-duty fumigation and bait systems that are not available to the average homeowner. You may want to call in a termite control pro just to assess the damage and determine the right treatment plan for you.
Does seeing soldier termites mean there’s an infestation? Yes, soldier termites wandering around the inside or exterior of your home is a sign of termite activity, and you may have a problem. You should check around for any other signs of a termite infestation, such as:
- Buckling or sagging wood floors
- Damage to paint and wallpaper similar to water damage
- Termite mud tubes around the foundation of the home
- Pin holes in the drywall
- Wood that sounds hollow
- Mounds of termite frass
When do you see soldier termites? You will typically see them if the nest is disturbed. The soldiers will swarm the damage, and will work to plug and enforce the barrier as a defense against a possible attack.
FAQ About Soldier Termites
How Do Soldier Termites Eat?
Due to their long jaws, soldier termites cannot feed themselves. However, they don’t starve — they actually have it pretty good! They are waited on by the worker caste, which constantly feeds them and tends to their needs.
How Long Do Soldier Termites Live?
Once they reach maturity a year after hatching, a soldier termite’s lifespan is usually between 1-2 years.
Are Termite Soldiers Blind?
Unlike the termite king and queen, which have weak eyes, most worker and soldier termites are entirely blind.
Hire a Pro
If soldier termites are marching one by one into your home, don’t wait! Let Pest Gnome connect you with a local pest control pro today for termite or other pest issues.
Main Image Credit: TrichopCMU / Canva Pro / License
7 comments
Comments are closed.