Termites exhibit highly sophisticated social behaviour, facilitated by a range of communication methods essential for colony coordination and survival. The primary mechanisms include:

1. Pheromone Release

Termites rely extensively on pheromones chemical signals emitted by individuals to influence the behaviour and physiology of others within the colony. These pheromones serve various functions, such as:

• Trail marking for foraging paths
• Alarm signalling in response to threats
• Caste regulation to maintain colony structure

2. Trophallaxis (Food Sharing)

Trophallaxis is the mutual exchange of food and fluids, including saliva, among colony members. This behaviour:

• Facilitates nutrient distribution
• Promotes microbial symbiosis essential for cellulose digestion
• Reinforces social bonds and colony cohesion

3. Vibrational Communication

Termites also use substrate-borne vibrations to convey information. These signals are typically produced by head-banging or body movements and are used to:

• Alert others to danger
• Coordinate group activities such as tunnelling
• Signal reproductive or territorial status.

✨ Conclusion

Modern pest control solutions exploit termite communication systems to achieve effective colony control. Unlike traditional contact-based pesticides, most advanced formulations do not kill termites immediately; instead, they infect the initial host, and this infection is subsequently transmitted throughout the colony ultimately reaching the queen and ensuring complete eradication.