
Top Quality Guaranteed
Nobody does it better
Established July 2001

Conehead or Tree Termites: A Growing Threat
Originally known as the "tree termite," conehead termites have expanded their range and are now a significant pest problem in many areas. These invasive insects are highly destructive and can cause severe damage to homes, businesses, and other structures.
Characteristics and Behavior:
-
Aggressive feeders: Conehead termites are voracious eaters, consuming wood and other cellulose materials at a rapid pace.
-
Colony formation: They create large underground colonies and may also establish satellite nests in trees, shrubs, or even open ground.
-
Wide-ranging infestations: Conehead termites can infest fences, paper products, and any other cellulose sources they can access.
The Dangers of Conehead Termite Infestations:
-
Rapid damage: These termites can cause significant structural damage in a short period, leading to costly repairs.
-
Hidden threat: Infestations can often remain undetected until extensive damage has occurred.
-
Property devaluation: Termite infestations can negatively impact property values.
Prevention and Control:
​
-
Regular inspections: Conduct regular inspections of your property for signs of termite activity, such as mud tubes, discarded wings, or wood damage.
-
Professional treatment: If you suspect a termite infestation, contact a qualified pest control professional for a thorough inspection and treatment plan.
-
Preventive measures: Implement preventive measures, such as moisture control, wood-to-soil barriers, and regular inspections, to reduce the risk of infestation.
​
While conehead termites may not pose a direct threat to structural timbers, their ability to cause extensive damage to other parts of your property makes them a serious concern. Do not wait for damage to occur. Take proactive steps to protect your property from these destructive insects.


​​Conehead Termites: Distinctive Features and Behaviors
​
Conehead termites are easily distinguishable from other termite species due to their unique physical characteristics and behaviors.
​
Soldier Termites:
​
-
Dark brown cone-shaped head: The most prominent feature of soldier conehead termites is their dark brown, cone-shaped head.
-
Cream-colored body: Their bodies are typically cream-colored, contrasting with their dark heads.
-
Size: Soldiers are long and narrow, reaching approximately 3-4mm long.
-
Number: While soldiers comprise a small percentage of most termite colonies, they constitute a significant portion (20-30%) of conehead colonies.
Worker Termites
-
Cream-colored bodies: Worker conehead termites have a more typical appearance with cream-colored bodies.
-
Less distinctive heads: Their heads are less prominent and lack the cone-shaped structure of soldiers.
Nests and Tunnels:
​
-
Above-ground structures: Conehead termites are known for building their nests and tunnels above ground, often in trees, bushes, or grass.
-
Visible signs: These structures are easily visible and resemble balls of chewed wood or mud tunnels.
-
Underground nests: Unlike most other termite species, conehead termites do not exclusively build their nests underground.
Identifying conehead termites is crucial for adequate control. If you suspect a conehead termite infestation, look for these distinctive features and contact a pest control professional for a thorough inspection and treatment plan. Contact Green's Exterminating & Fencing Inc. by following this link: https://rb.gy/51oy88. You can schedule a free inspection or consultation.