Scientific Name: Nasutitermes corniger | Reviewed by The PCC Research Team
Conehead Termite: Identification & Biology Guide
The Conehead Termite is an aggressive, invasive species known for breaking almost every biological rule of standard termite behavior. Originally from the Caribbean and Central America, this species has caused severe agricultural and structural damage in localized outbreaks across the United States.
Unlike standard Subterranean or Drywood termites that hide strictly inside wood or mud tubes, Conehead termites frequently forage in the open air like ants and build massive, highly visible “basketball” nests in the branches of trees.
The “Cliff Notes”: Why They Are Unique
- The “Nasute” Defense: The soldiers have a dark, elongated cone-shaped head. When threatened, they shoot a sticky, toxic fluid from this “nozzle” to paralyze predators.
- Above-Ground Nests: They build large, dark brown, bumpy carton nests that look like giant paper mache balls attached to trees, fences, or the sides of buildings.
- Ant-Like Foraging: While they sometimes build mud tubes, they frequently march on the open ground in wide, highly visible trails, leading homeowners to mistake them for regular ants.
- Rapid Spread: Their colonies mature quickly and can cause devastating structural damage to timber in a fraction of the time of native species.
Identification: The “Chemical Warfare” Soldiers
If you see a thick trail of bugs marching across your patio or up the trunk of a tree, you need to look closely at the “Soldier” caste guarding the edges of the trail.
| Species | Soldier Identification |
|---|---|
| Native Subterranean Termites | Soldiers have pale, rectangular heads with large, visible, mechanical pincers (mandibles) used for biting. |
| Conehead Termites | Soldiers account for up to 30% of the colony (much higher than normal). They have dark brown or black heads shaped like a distinct teardrop or cone. They do not rely on pincers; instead, they use chemical warfare. |
If you disturb a Conehead termite trail, the soldiers will not try to bite you. Instead, they will point their cone-shaped heads at the threat and squirt a sticky, resinous sap called a terpene. This glue-like chemical is designed to instantly entangle and paralyze predatory ants, but it can also cause mild skin irritation to humans if handled directly.
The “Basketball” Tree Nests
One of the easiest ways to identify a Conehead termite infestation is by looking up. While native subterranean termites hide their primary nests deep underground, Conehead termites frequently build massive, exposed “carton nests” above ground.
These nests are constructed from chewed wood, soil, and saliva. They are dark brown, feature a bumpy, uneven surface, and can grow to the size of a basketball or even a large watermelon. You will typically find these nests clinging to:
- The crook of branches in large landscaping trees.
- Hidden in thick, overgrown shrubs or brush.
- Attached directly to wooden fences, patio covers, or the exterior siding of a home.
Eradication Protocol
Because Conehead termites build their nests above ground but forage extensively across the soil and open terrain, eradicating them requires a comprehensive, multi-step approach.
1. Physical Removal of the Nest
If the primary carton nest is located on a tree branch or building exterior, an exterminator will often begin by physically scraping or cutting the nest away, placing it in a heavy-duty trash bag, and applying a direct insecticidal spray to kill the hundreds of thousands of termites inside instantly.
2. Liquid Soil & Perimeter Treatments
Because they forage in wide trails on the ground, the exterminator must apply a non-repellent liquid termiticide (like Fipronil) to the soil, foundation, and surrounding tree bases. This ensures that any foraging workers returning to the area will cross the chemical barrier and die. Read our Soil Trenching Guide here.
Do Not Attempt to Remove a Nest Yourself
If you knock down a Conehead nest without proper chemical treatment, the surviving workers will simply scatter and establish multiple new satellite colonies on your property. Hire a licensed professional to permanently eliminate the threat.
Call For Termite Control: (866) 204-1751Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I tell the difference between Conehead termite trails and ant trails?
A: While both march in open lines, you must look at the bugs’ bodies. Ants have a distinct, pinched, narrow waist. Conehead termite workers have a thick, straight, cigar-shaped body. Additionally, if you see the dark-headed, cone-shaped soldiers guarding the edges of the trail, you are dealing with termites.
Q: Are Conehead termites found in California?
A: Currently, Conehead termites are considered a severe invasive threat primarily monitored in the Southeastern United States (such as South Florida). However, due to global shipping and the transport of infested goods, California agricultural and pest control boards remain on high alert for potential state-side outbreaks.
Q: Do Conehead termites eat live trees?
A: Yes. Unlike many native termites that only consume dead, decaying wood, Conehead termites are incredibly aggressive and have been known to consume the heartwood of living trees, orchards, and agricultural crops, in addition to residential framing.