Termites pose a significant threat to structures in New York and New Jersey, earning the notorious distinction of being the most destructive pests encountered in these states. The voracious appetite of these pests makes them a formidable enemy to wood structures, bringing about severe damages that are not just costly to repair but can sometimes be irreversible. Subterranean termites, in particular, are pervasive, forming colonies that operate in a highly structured system divided into three primary categories: workers, soldiers, and reproductives, each having distinct physical characteristics and roles to play in the survival and expansion of their colonies.

The worker termites form the largest group within a colony, representing the core of the termite workforce. Measuring about 1/8-inch in length, these wingless creatures exhibit a white to beige coloration that allows them to blend seamlessly with their environments. Their primary role is to forage for food, which primarily consists of wood and other cellulose-based materials, and to maintain the nest. Their relentless work ethic and appetite make them the main agents of destruction, silently eating away at the structures and causing substantial damages over time. The soldiers, on the other hand, are slightly larger than the workers, characterized by a similar coloration but distinguishable by their large brown heads and formidable chewing jaws. Their main role is to defend the colony from predators, showcasing a militarized approach to colony defense, thereby ensuring the safety of the entire community.

Completing this triad of divisions are the reproductives, the termite group responsible for the propagation and enlargement of the colony. These termites are quite larger compared to workers and soldiers, measuring roughly ½-inch in length. What sets them apart is their wings, a vital attribute that facilitates their nuptial flights during the swarming season. After finding suitable mates, they shed their wings to establish new colonies, thus perpetuating the cycle of growth for the termite population. It is this group that embodies the future of the colony, taking on the vital role of ensuring the survival and expansion of their community through procreation. Their presence indicates a mature colony that is set on a path of expansion, a sign that should alert property owners to imminent danger and the urgent need for intervention.