Q: WHAT ARE CONEHEAD TERMITES?
A: Nasutitermes Corniger, more commonly referred to as the conehead termite, is an invasive species of termite that aggressively eats wood in just about any form. Its nickname stems from the cone shape of its soldier termites’ heads.
Q: HOW DID CONEHEAD TERMITES GET HERE?
A: Commonly found in the Caribbean Islands, these termites made their way to Florida in 2001, quickly becoming a cause for concern due to their voracious eating habits.
Conehead termites were thought to have been eradicated in Florida in 2003, but resurgent colonies were discovered in 2012.
Q: WHAT DO CONEHEAD TERMITES EAT?
A: Live trees, dead trees, sticks that look like trees, bushes, lumber in structures, and just about any other cellulose that gets in their path.
In the Caribbean Islands, the protective mud tunnels these termites construct are commonly seen winding up the trunks of many of the trees standing along the roads.
Q: WHERE DO CONEHEAD TERMITES LIVE?
A: Conehead termites live in nests built of mud and other materials above ground – not in the ground like the more common subterranean species found throughout the United States. Large mud nests can often be seen in the upper limbs of the trees.
Formerly known as the “tree termite,” they were renamed a few years ago because so many people mistakenly believed that they only attacked trees.
Their activity in the trees often masks the fact that they are also attacking homes and many other items made of wood.
Q: WHERE ELSE DO CONEHEAD TERMITES ATTACK?
A: Conehead termites also forage for food on top of the ground, rather than underground like our native subterranean species of termites. This enables them to move around easier and spread to other areas.
If you suspect that coneheads are trying to move into your neighborhood, call for professional help. A specialist will identify any threat and create an effective solution to protect your home.
