Termites
Biology
Termites are one of the most successful insects on Earth. They can populate on every land mass except Antarctica. Termites live in underground colonies or in damp secluded areas above ground that can contain up to 2 million members. The characteristics of a termite are dependent on the termite’s role in the colony. Cream-colored worker termites are 1/8 to 3/8’s of an inch in length. Soldier termites are the same size, but are recognized by their powerful mandibles. Both worker and soldier termites are blind. They also have antennae that have numerous functions such as taste, touch, heat, and vibration. Male and female termites have wings for reproductive swarming. After reproduction, they shed their wings to start a new colony. Non reproductive termites do not have wings. The life cycle of the termite happens in 3 stages; egg, nymph, and adult. Normally, the queen may lay 1,000 eggs a day in a mature colony. Termites can life up to 30 years but 15-17 years is the average.
Habitat
Termites need contact with the soil to survive and live underground. They can build tunnels through cracks in concrete. They build “mud tubes” to gain access to food and to protect themselves from the environment.
Threats
Termites are the most destructive insect. They can collapse an entire structure. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.
Habits
Termites live underground and build tunnels, referred to as mud tubes, to reach food. Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose. Termites swarm in the spring for reproductive purposes.Those termites go off to start new colonies. This insect does not hibernate and are active and feeding 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Prevention
Avoid water accumulation near your home’s foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.
With large infestations it is best to get a Professional to treat your home.
Structural Pest Termite Program
Our service technician will perform a thorough inspection on the exterior and interior of your structure to locate all problem areas and properly identify the pest you are having.
All programs are specially designed to target the pest that is infesting your structure.
