Fertilized eggs are the beginning of the termite life cycle. White and oval-shaped, termite eggs are the size of a pinhead. Termite eggs are really little, so you’re unlikely to come across one on your own. The eggs are often discovered in groups, making them easier to find.. From white to a faint orange, the hues can be found here. The eggs have been compared by some to mounds of powder, caviar, or even jelly beans. The nymph stage develops after the eggs have been incubated for around four weeks.

People rarely see termite eggs because they are hidden deep within the nest. As a matter of fact, drywood termite nests are generally found within structures such as walls and furniture that are 4 to 18 inches below ground level. The egg-laying and colony expansion are essentially the responsibility of the queen termite. There are big termite colonies where secondary and tertiary reproductives lay eggs to help sustain the colony’s growth as well.

Worker termites take care of the eggs after the queen lays them in incubation chambers. Prior to developing into larvae, termite eggs incubate for a few weeks before being laid. Workers feed and groom the young termites that have emerged from the termite eggs, which are then moved to nursery chambers. The egg production of a queen termite is constant throughout the day and can last up to ten years. The amount of eggs a termite queen lays depends on the age and species of the termite queen. Termite queens can lay eggs all year round in areas with warm weather. Colder climates may see a reduction in egg production during winter.