Termite or ‘white ants’ as they are sometimes referred to are known to attack in-service timber in and around homes. There are in fact over 350 species of termites in Australia of which only a few species actually damage timber in houses.

Termites avoid open air and rarely come out into the light. Sometimes evidence of termites can be seen from the presence of mud-like tubes or galleries they build to travel away from their nest. Once termites find an entry point into timber, they eat if from the inside out, leaving a thin outer layer intact to protect them from the outside environment.

From late spring/early summer, winged termites called alates, take to flight to set up new colonies. Just after dusk on warm, still nights, usually when the humidity is high or rain is forecast, alates can be seen swarming towards lights or exiting small holes in trees and other timbers. Birds can usually be seen enjoying a feast. Seeing these colonising flights doesn’t necessarily mean there is a termite colony attacking your home however it can be an indication that a large nest is nearby.

Termites are capable of causing serious structural damage to homes and require expert attention to detail. If you find live termites, damage or even suspect you have termites do not cause any disruption to the area and arrange to have an inspection carried out by a trained pest management professional. Contact us and we will put you in touch with a local pest control company in your area who specialises in termites who can inspect or treat your home.

Termites are often called the “silent destroyer” because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide cellulose food for termite infestation.

Termites are detritivores, or detritus feeders. They feed on dead plants and trees as well as dead parts of living trees, including wood and wood in the soil. A termite’s mouth is capable of tearing pieces of woody material. This ability is what causes concern in human dwellings: while termite workers only measure approximately 1 cm to a few millimeters in length, their feeding habits are capable of causing costly damage to property. House foundation, furniture, shelves and even books are all possible feeding sites for termites.

Subterranean Termites homes are usually formed in soil. Within these mounds, termites build elaborate tunnel systems and mud tunnels through which they access above-ground food sources. Drywood termites live within the wood they consume and oftentimes infest walls and furniture.

When the colony has matured, winged, swarming termites can be seen around windows and doors. Winged termites are highly attracted to sources of light and are most active in springtime. After mating, these termites locate a new breeding site and create another colony, spreading infestations throughout multiple locations in the case of drywood termites.

Habitat

Nests

Nests are formed either in trees, in soil mounds or underground. There are 5 main nest types and many species will build more than one type of nest:

• Ground mounds
• Tree nests (outside tree, connected to internal cavity)
• Pole nests (on human structures such as fence posts and telegraph poles)
• Subterranean nests (underground, in soil, stumps and tree bases)
• Tree wood (inside the tree)

Nest humidity and temperature maintenance

Termite colonies are maintained at a high humidity. This protects the thin-skinned workers from drying out. Only when the external humidity is close to 100% can workers leave the nest to forage. This is especially the case for subterranean termite species, which gain most of their water from the soil. These species can only become pests in buildings where a constant water source is available. Indoor plants on pavers are a major cause, as are leaking pipes or roofs). Termites that nest in dry wood don’t have such strong water requirements and may attack wooden structures that are not necessarily very damp.

Nests are usually maintained at a temperature between 25°C – 36°C. This varies, depending on the species, the external temperature and the health of the colony. Healthy colonies are able to maintain this range during very hot and very cold external conditions.

Sometimes the nest shape is specifically designed to regulate temperature. The Compass Termite (Amitermes meridionalis) of the Northern Territory is known for its tall (3 m – 4 m) mound nests. These nests are thicker across their east-west axis (about 3 m) than along the north-south axis (about 1 m). This alignment means that the nest has the most protection from the hot summer sun as it moves east to west directly above the nest, but can still be warmed in winter, when the sun is at a lower angle.

Life cycle

Termites undergo an incomplete metamorphosis, with three developmental stages:

• Egg
• Nymph
• Adult

The eggs hatch into nymphs (the first instar) that are fed by the workers, and these nymphs then moult several times, differentiating into worker, soldier or reproductive forms. Development into adult forms takes several months, depending on food, temperature and the size of the colony. Hormones are thought to control the numbers of each caste, with imbalances corrected by nymphs developing into whichever form is needed at the time.

Starting a colony Once a suitable site is found, the mating pair (the new king and queen) drop their wings, hollow out a small mating chamber, and the queen begins to lay a small number of eggs. Both the king and queen care for the young at this early stage. As the colony grows, the different castes take on their roles of workers and soldiers, leaving the queen to produce more and more eggs. She will produce 10-20 eggs in the early stages of a colony and may go on to lay over 1000 eggs a day after several years.

Queen/s: Termite colonies are governed by a caste system. Queen termites are integral to the founding and growth of termite colonies.

Colonies are founded when a potential queen termite joins a mating swarm. Swarms are comprised of male and female reproductives from fully established termite colonies. Unlike worker and soldier termites, these reproductives are equipped with wings, and many species are dark in color. After mating, swarmers land and shed their wings.

Although reproductive termites bear a distinct resemblance to winged ants, both males and female reproductive termites survive beyond the mating swarm and go on to found colonies, whereas male winged ants die after mating. The termites become the kings and queens of their new colonies. The termite queen is responsible for maintaining and increasing the population of the colony.

there is usually one main (first-form) queen who may have been the original founder of the colony. She may be larger than other colony members and swollen with eggs. Queens can live and reproduce for a long time (up to 20 years in some species).

King: the original king fertilises the queen and helps to tend the young during the foundation of the colony.

Workers: with white-bodies and thin skin, these are the most numerous in the colony and are involved in food gathering, feeding and tending the young and the queen, and building or maintaining the nest. They rarely emerge from the nest or associated tunnels, as they dry up easily outside the humid nest environment.

Soldiers: Termites are social insects and live in colonies comprised of different castes. Although they vary slightly between species, there are typically three castes in a termite colony. These three castes all work to ensure the ultimate survival of the colony. Of the three castes, soldier termites are responsible for the protection of their colony.

Soldier termites often are equipped with enlarged mandibles which aid in defense against predators and other threats. The enlarged mandibles also render soldier termites incapable of feeding themselves; worker termites are responsible for feeding other termite castes.

Although termites usually do not attack without provocation, their colonies are often assaulted by natural predators such as ants. When this occurs, soldier termites sacrifice themselves by remaining outside of the breached colony while workers repair any damage.

are the colony defenders. They are sometimes larger than workers, but mostly the same size, with darker heads

Reproductives – both winged and wingless: these are the future kings and queens. Beginning as wingless nymphs, they develop by shedding their skin through several stages until they are fully winged adults. With darker, more durable bodies and compound eyes, they are able to survive for short periods outside the colony. They are destined to either leave the nest on a colonising flight or to take over from the queen if she dies.

 

What Can You Do to Help Protect Your Home?

Since termites are a constant threat to your home, here are some things you can do during the year to help maintain the effectiveness.

Small steps make a big difference in termite prevention and sustaining an effective termite treatment plan. Start by eliminating moisture conditions and termite food around your home. These simple steps make your home a less attractive target, helping deter termites.

Eliminate Moisture Problems

• Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and A/C units
• Divert water from foundation
• Keep gutters and downspouts clean
• Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch
• Get rid of standing water on roof
• Keep all vents clear and open
• Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes

Remove Termite Food Sources

• Keep firewood, lumber or paper away from foundation or crawl space
• Get rid of stumps and debris near house
• Place screens on outside vents
• Check decks and wooden fences for damage
• Wood on your home shouldn’t contact the soil

Termite Warning Signs & Identification

Some indications you may have a termite infestation:

• A temporary swarm of winged insects in your home or from the soil around your home.
• Any cracked or bubbling paint or frass (termite droppings).
• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Mud tubes on exterior walls, wooden beams or in crawl spaces.
• Discarded wings from swarmers.

Mud Tubes on Walls

 

Termites can cause severe damage to human homes

Although termites are ecologically beneficial in that they break down detritus to add nutrients to soil, the same feeding behaviors that prove helpful to the ecosystem can cause severe damage to human homes. Because termites feed primarily on wood, they are capable of compromising the strength and safety of an infested structure. Termite damage can render structures unlivable until expensive repairs are conducted.

Structural property damage

Homes constructed primarily of wood are not the only structures threatened by termite activity. Homes made from other materials may also host termite infestations, as these insects are capable of traversing through plaster, metal siding and more. Termites then feed on cabinets, floors, ceilings and wooden furniture within these homes.

Because termites are often not identified before considerable damage has occurred, it is advised that homeowners experiencing a termite infestation contact a pest control professional before attempting to address the problem on their own. Professionals will conduct an inspection in order to correctly identify the problem and will then discuss possible avenues of treatment with homeowners.

Signs of subterranean termite damage

Subterranean Termites dwell underground in loose, damp soil. Although subterranean termite species in Africa are famously aggressive and known for the obvious mounds above their colonies, signs of subterranean termite damage within the United States are much less obvious.

Interior damage may not become apparent until infestations are full-blown. Termite damage sometimes appears similar to water damage. Outward signs of termite damage include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage and visible mazes within walls or furniture. Termite infestations also can exude a scent similar to mildew or mold.

Subterranean termites also access above-ground food sources through mud tunnels they create from saliva, mud and feces. These tunnels are located near the foundation of infested homes.

Signs of drywood termite damage

Drywood Termites build their colonies within wooden structures on which they feed. They can be found inside walls or furniture. Drywood termite infestations may only become apparent after a colony has burrowed so deeply into an infested item that the veneer cracks and the maze-like tunnels beneath become visible. Such damage is common in antique furniture pieces. Should this occur on new furniture or the floors or walls of your home, contact a pest control professional to discuss the severity of your infestation, as well as extermination options.

 

Can you repair Termite damage?

Although termite damage may be reversed through professional repair, measures should always be taken first to ensure that the infestation has been fully exterminated and that the home is protected against future infestations. Taking these steps will prevent further costly repairs in the future.

Contact a termite inspector to schedule an inspection of the home to determine if there is termite activity. The termite inspector will be able to offer services to deal with active infestations as well as preventatives.

After ensuring that your home is free of termites and risks of future infestation, existing damage should be repaired. Contacting several local contractors for estimates may be a good idea before repairing termite damage.

Wood Ceiling Damaged by Termites: 

 

In an average year, termites are responsible for $1 billion to $2 billion in property damage. Most of this damage is not covered by standard homeowner insurance policies. Termite infestations commonly go undetected until obvious signs of damage occur.

Common signs of termite infestation include sagging floors and ceilings, traces of dust similar to dust, piles of wings that resemble scales and areas that seem to be slightly water damaged. Contrary to popular belief, termites are not partial to aging wooden structures; they have been known to inhabit new buildings within a short time after construction.

However, although structural failure due to termite damage is not at all uncommon, it can be easily prevented through the use of regular inspections and treatments. Trusted termite inspectors will provide two-part reports, outlining damage already present and potential causes and locations of future damage. Areas with a high likelihood of infestation include damp areas, woodpiles and loose wooden paneling. Addressing these threats may prevent termite infestation and can save homeowners considerable money on structural repairs.

 

Termite Evidence:

Drywood termites house their colonies within the wood on which they feed. As they consume wood, they burrow mazes of tunnels and chambers within walls and furniture. Drywood termites leave small piles of feaces that resemble pellets where they have eaten or nested. Drywood termites also cause sagging walls, floors and ceilings and may leave behind areas which appear to be water damaged. After winged drywood termites swarm, their wings shed and can be found in small piles throughout an infested home. These wings resemble fish scales.

Drywood termites are usually found in warm, southern climates, while subterranean termites are found  throughout the continental United States. Subterranean termites build their colonies underground and can travel above ground to access sources of food. They enter homes through cracked or unsealed foundations, as well as through tunnels constructed from mud, their feces and saliva. These tunnels are brown, dry and cylindrical in appearance. The presence of these tunnels near the foundation of your home is a sure sign of subterranean termite infestation. Just like drywood termites, subterranean termites produce winged swarmers which indicate an active termite colony.

In order to address a drywood termite infestation, exit holes should be located. Drywood termites nest and thrive inside the wood on which they feed, constructing elaborate mazes and gallery chambers within walls and furniture. When a colony matures and produces reproductive termites, workers create small holes to allow them to exit. Locating these holes can assist in identifying the location of a termite infestation.

Subterranean termites often leave no exit holes. Instead, homeowners should seek signs of mud tunnels near the structure’s foundation. These tunnels are constructed of mud, feces and saliva and are used to protect worker termites as they journey above ground for food.

How to Spot Termites:

The first sign of a termite infestation may be wormlike mud tunnels that run up walls or foundations. Termites are particularly attracted to damp wood which may be found in basements and tunnels, so termites are often discovered either within basements or emerging from them. The tunnels are created by subterranean termites who uses their feces, or frass, as part of the building material for the tubes.

Mysterious piles of pellets are indicative of drywood termite presence. These piles could be drywood termite droppings known as frass. Drywood frass can be different colors, depending of the color of the wood termites have been eating, but all drywood droppings are six-sided.

Ceilings and sagging floors result from both subterranean and drywood termite infestations. In the event of more severe infestations, wooden surfaces may become so compromised that they buckle or collapse. By the time signs or termites presence become visible, it is highly likely that a home is already experiencing a full-blown infestation. In the event of any signs of termites, contact a termite Pest Controller to discuss treatment options.

Holes and cavities within walls can indicate the presence of termites. Walls are particularly susceptible to termite damage for a number of reasons: they are accessible from the ground, and their surface area is considerable.

Termite Wall Damage

Subterranean termites live within the soil and access above-ground food sources through tunnels that workers construct of saliva, mud and feces. Walls can attract subterranean termites if they are in direct contact with soil. Wall damage also tends to go unnoticed for long periods of time, as it may begin so far below eye level.

The surface area of walls exposed to soil is generally larger than other parts of a home. This large surface area appeals to termites as a food source, as many insects can feed on the same piece of wood without having to travel and forage too far.

Termites cause more damage to walls than to most other parts of infested homes: because walls are thinner, an infestation spreads more quickly and severely compromises the strength of walls. Cheaper materials, such as laminated plywood or particle board, are often rapidly affected.

However, this type of termite damage to walls can be prevented. By choosing the correct materials, having a pest control professional pretreat the home, and having a regular termite inspection by a termite control specialist, your home may remain termite free.

Termites can damage the underlying flooring of laminate. Damage caused to laminate flooring by termite infestations can appear similar to typical water damage. Laminate will blister and sag in affected areas. If inspected more closely, a hollow network of tunnels will be discovered beneath buckled areas. Termites have even been known to chew through the laminate and create small holes. In order to address damage done to laminate flooring, it is often necessary to rip up old laminate and lay new flooring.

To prevent these costly procedures, it’s advised that homeowners schedule annual termite inspections with their local pest control experts to develop a solution specifically designed for their home.

 

Termites consume a variety of cellulose, organic materials and may infest books, picture frames, window trims, furniture, floors and ceilings. Damage caused to ceilings by termites commonly resembles light water damage. Affected ceilings buckle and sag.

Repairing termite ceiling damage depends upon the level of infestation and the materials of which your ceiling is constructed. However, the first visible signs of termite damage often indicate full-scale infestations and can require expensive replacement.

To prevent costly repairs, homeowners can employ the services of professional pest control companies to perform annual inspections. Early detection through the use of new technologies may save homeowners expense and hassle in the future.

Termite Rafter/Ceiling Damage

Wood Rafter Damage

 

Foundation DAmage?

Of the types of termites found in America, subterranean termites are the most common and are responsible for the most damage to structures.

Subterranean termites live underground, foraging in soil for food. Almost any exposed wood or gap underground can allow these termites enough access to cause significant damage to a home’s foundation. Worker termites also build tunnels from mud, saliva and feces, which they use to remain protected while traveling to above-ground food sources. Subterranean swarming termites most commonly start new colonies around homes in the late spring and summer, when mating swarms are active.

In order to prevent extensive and costly damage to your home’s structure, a termite control barrier may be implemented. Pest control professionals may treat soil with pesticide and wooden frames with repellents. They may also use baits. Contact your local pest control experts to discuss foundation treatments.

 

Termitesd in your carpet?

Although they are most commonly known for their wood-eating habits, termites are capable of damaging other noncellulose-based materials, such as carpeting. They may simply be scouting for other food sources, but the results are visible holes in the carpeting.

In late spring and early summer, termites participate in swarms wherein winged male and female reproductives mate and go on to form new colonies. Following these mating swarms, winged termites shed their wings. These wings can be found in piles throughout an infested home and are sure signs of an infestation. Termite wings are clear and appear similar to fish scales.

Other signs of termite infestation depend on species but may include sagging walls, loose plaster, piles of plaster or wood dust and stuck doors or windows. By the time a termite infestation becomes obvious, it is oftentimes full-blown. If you suspect an infestation in any area of your home, contact a local pest control professional to schedule an inspection.

 

So lets examine Termites closerrrr:

DAMPWOOD TERMITES

Appearance

There are several species of dampwood termites in the United States. Dampwood termites are much larger then the subterranean termites that are common across the country. The swarmers (winged termites) can be 25 mm long, including their wings. The soldiers can be as large as 20 mm. They have a large head with mandibles (pincers) on the front. There are no dampwood termite workers. The immature termites do the work in the colony. The immature termites can be as much as 20 mm long.

Behavior, Diet & Habits

Dampwood termites get their name from the damp, sometimes decaying, wood that they use to locate their colonies. Dampwood termites do not typically nest in the soil. They will invade wood that is on the ground, especially if it is decaying. Dampwood termites are common along the Pacific coast. They are considered an economic pest. There are also dampwood termites in the Southwest desert and in southern Florida.

Reproduction

A pair of winged swarmers starts a colony of dampwood termites. They find a suitable piece of wood and make a chamber in it. They produce a few eggs the first year. Colonies are usually small, but in ideal conditions dampwood termite colonies can become large.

Signs of Dampwood Termite Infestation

Damage

Dampwood termites do not usually have contact with the soil. They do not make tunnels like the subterranean termites. Wood that dampwood termites have damaged usually looks clean and smooth inside. They often eat across the grain, especially in wood that is decayed.

Frass

The dampwood termites sometimes use their fecal pellets to seal the galleries where they live from the outside air. If the wood is fairly dry, the fecal pellets may fall to the bottom of the gallery. If the wood is very damp, the fecal pellets may stick to the sides of the termite galleries.

Swarmers

Large winged swarmers, winged males and females, are produced for the purpose of mating and starting new colonies.  These may be confused with winged ants, but the termites have straight antennae, four pairs of equal length wings and a straight sided body.

More Information

Because moisture is critical to these termites, solving moisture problems is an important part of dampwood termite control. Plumbing problems, leaks in roof or siding, wood that is touching the ground and even rainwater drainage are all examples of situations that may need to be addressed.

After the moisture conditions have been corrected, the damaged wood can be replaced. It is sometimes necessary to use treated wood.

Termiticide treatment in the wood is sometimes necessary. Because these treatments require special tools and equipment, it is advisable to call a termite control professional.

Dampwood Termite

 

DRYWOOD TERMITES

Appearance

Swarmers up to 12 mm long; no worker caste in the colony.

Habit

Create colonies in wood, with no connection to the ground necessary; often found in attic wood; need very little moisture.

Behavior, Diet & Habits

Wood and occasionally other cellulose material.

Reproduction

Nymphs pass through four to seven instars before reaching adulthood; sexual forms eventually swarm to form new colonies.

Signs of a Drywood Termite Infestation

Swarms

When a drywood termite colony is mature, swarms of winged male and female reproductive insects are produced. These reproductive termites fly out of their colony to create new colonies after mating. Warm temperatures and heavy rains instigate swarms.

Frass

Drywood termites extract as much water as possible from the feces to conserve it. The result are very distinct fecal pellets called frass. They are a hexagonal and all are a similar size of 1 mm long. The termites kick them out of their tunnel. Appearance of mounds of these pellets indicate activity. It is important to note that pellets can remain almost indefinitely from a dead colony and may mislead a homeowner that it is current activity. Contact a termite control professional to confirm current activity.

More Information

It is estimated that termites cause over a billion dollars in damage to United States homes each year. Unlike fires, hurricanes and tornadoes, termite damage is seldom covered in homeowner insurance policies. The dangers of termite infestation are also underpublicized, leading most homeowners to believe that no preventive measures are necessary. However, annual inspections are an effective means of preventing major damage to your home.

Drywood Termite Crawling on a Piece of Wood.

There are two major families of termite present in North America: subterranean and drywood termites. Both species feed on cellulose material, including books, dried plants and furniture, as well structural wood. While subterranean termites burrow underground, drywood termites do not need the soil. After a colony of drywood termites has gained entrance to a home, they are capable of dispersing widely throughout many rooms and floors.

Although drywood termites are far less common than subterranean termites and are found primarily in coastal, southern states and the Southwestern states, the damage they cause is substantial. Drywood termite infestations are identifiable by piles of fecal pellets. These fecal pellets are often first noticed in places like windowsills. If you find piles of tiny pellets in your home, it could be a sign of a drywood termite infestation. A trained pest control professional can provide a thorough inspection.

Drywood Termite Workers

 

FORMOSAN TERMITES

Appearance

Formosan termites prefer warm climates and densely populate certain areas of the American South. Also known as an introduced subterranean termite, the Formosan termite is found in states across the southern U.S., including Alabama, Florida, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Texas and Tennessee. However, they have also been located in smaller populations as far north as the Canadian border.

Behavior, Diet & Habits

Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite that nests within the soil. They invade structures from the soil directly through wood to ground contact, or using mud tubes they construct up from the soil. Formosan termites also can construct a carton which helps retain moisture in the nest. This can allow them to build nests that do not require them to return to the soil like most subterranean termites. Like all termites, they consume cellulose material such as wood.

Reproduction

Colonies contain a queen which can produce more than 1,000 eggs per day. New colonies are created when winged males and females are released from the colony and swarm. They mate and go on to found new colonies.

Signs of Formosan Termite Infestation

Damage

Homeowners performing renovations may discover termite damage. As termites consume the wood they leave behind smooth sided galleries. Damaged wood may also cause walls or other parts of the structure to sag.

Swarmers

In late spring or early summer, Formosan colonies may produce swarms of winged males and females called reproductives. They are about 15 mm long, including their wings. They can be differentiated from winged ants by their straight antennae, equal-length front and hind wings, as well as their straight-sided waist.

Formosan Termites

Formosan Termite Swarmer

More Information

Formosan termites are native to East Asia and were introduced to the United States in the 1940s, following World War II. Formosan termites were thought to have entered the country via various port cities, resulting in patchy concentrations. Their populations have continued to spread throughout the United States on cargo shipments of wood and other cellulose-based goods. Most scientists believe that Formosan termites can be spread through infested wooden railroad stakes.

 

SUBTERRANEAN

Appearance

Three “castes” of a termite colony: workers are approximately 6 mm long, light-colored and wingless; soldiers have elongated heads with mandibles; reproductives are dark-colored and have two pair of equal-length wings.

Behavior, Diet & Habit

Live in colonies underground, from which they build tunnels in search of food; able to reach food above the ground level by building mud tubes; dependent on moisture for survival.

Diet consists of wood and other cellulose material.

Reproduction

Different rates of growth from egg stage to adult, depending on individual species; one primary queen per colony, which can lay tens of thousands of eggs in its lifetime, but eggs also can be laid by supplementary reproductives in an established colony.

Signs of a Subterranean Termite Infestation

Swarmers

A subterranean termite infestation begins when warm temperatures and heavy rainfall trigger an established colony to send out a swarm of winged termites. Swarms consist of winged reproductive males and females. Subterranean termite colonies are usually active for three to five years before winged reproductives appear. Winged, reproductive termites are frequently mistaken for flying ants, but are smaller than ants and have straight, rather than bent, antennae. Termite swarmers have four wings that are all the same size. Ant swarmers have two large wings in front and two smaller wings behind. After mating, swarmer termites land and shed their wings, leaving them in piles that resemble fish scales. If there are piles of wings on windowsills of your home, check to see if they are all the same size. They could be termite wings especially if they are all the same size.

More Information

Subterranean Termite Colony

If you are constructing a new home, especially in a high-risk area, it is advisable that you obtain estimates from reliable professionals for termite-proofing your home. Pest control professionals are best equipped to take preventive measures, which could save homeowners from severe loss. Pest control experts will also be able to make recommendations that can help to prevent termite infestation.

There are over 2,300 described species of termite living today. Many of them are found in tropical and subtropical regions such as deserts and rain forests. However, there are more than 50 species that have been found living in the United States. Collectively, they are responsible for an average of $1 billion per year in property damages, infesting 350,000 structures.

These numerous species are broken down into subterranean termites, dampwood termites and drywood termites. The three kinds of termites differ in colony-building habits and preferred climate. Subterranean termites build large colonies  underground, which are composed of elaborate tunnels and chambers. Worker termites then construct protective tunnels made of mud and saliva in order to reach above-ground wood. When subterranean termites eat wood, they fill it with soil to help maintain the humidity. If mud tunnels are visible on the walls or foundation of your home, it is highly likely that you are experiencing a subterranean termite infestation.

Alternatively, drywood termites make their nests within cellulose-based materials such as lumber, siding and wooden trim. They require no soil contact and get their moisture from the wood. They also attack floors, furniture and books. Drywood termites can be more difficult to detect and aren’t typically noticeable until small piles of pellets (their feces) collect.

Dampwood termites locate their colonies in wood that is wet and even decaying. Wood that is in contact with the soil or wood that is constantly wet are ideal nesting sites for these termites. They are common in the Southwest and along the Pacific Coast. They are also found in Florida. If your home has leaky pipes or other moisture situations, it may be attractive to dampwood termites.

 

Termites??

Termites play a vital role in nature. They break down dead wood and other cellulose materials. This is helpful in the ecosystem and the balance of nature. When termites attack homes, though, they are a pest and cause over $5 billion in damages in the U.S. each year. Termites usually are cryptic, meaning that they don’t come out into the open.

Termites are difficult to detect because of this cryptic nature and are a destructive force when left unchecked. Royalty, workers, soldiers and nonwinged reproductives do not leave the hidden areas. Most of the colony is never seen. Even when visible within the home as flying insects, termites can sometimes be mistaken for Ants. Some homeowners will dismiss the termites as pesky ants and ignore them with no preventive science-based or extermination methods taken. This allows established termite infestations to grow exponentially.

Flying Ants possess many of the same characteristics as flying termites. However, while ants have a distinct pinched waist, the termite is tube shaped. Termites also have four wings of equal size, while the flying ant’s four wings are two distinct sizes. Lastly, ants’ antennae have an elbow or bend, whereas termite antennae are straight.

A further distinguishing characteristics of Subterranean Termites is the presence of protective tunnels constructed from mud, saliva and fecal matter. These tubes act as entry points for subterranean termites to above-ground food sources. They are most commonly located near the foundation of an infested homes. Termites also enter homes after swarms, usually occurring in the spring. During swarms, an existing termite colony sends out a large number of winged reproductive males and females. These mating swarms may result in several newly fertilized king and queen termites attempting to establish colonies of which many may be within or around a home.

Termites are social insects in that they have an organized structure in a colony with a king, queen and various castes, each of which have a specialized function. Each caste has its own characteristics.

 

Behaviour??

SubterraneanTermites and Drywood Termites  are an integral part of local  ecosystems by breaking down dead cellulose material. In residential areas, these behaviors can become liabilities. These species cause problems to human structures: subterranean termites and drywood termites. Each type requires a different method of  Pest Control.

Drywood termites can live within furniture and in the wood behind walls, creating elaborate systems of tunnels. Drywood termites inhabit the same wood or other source of cellulose material on which they feed.   Termite infestations are often not recognized until they are widespread which then requires Professional Pest Control Treatment. However, it’s possible to identify a Drywood Termite infestation by loose piles of pellets, known as frass, which appear near where feeding is happening. Drywood Termites are less cold tolerant than other species.

Unlike Drywood Termites, Subterranean Termites are more cold tolerant and therefore, are more common throughout Southern Australia. Subterranean Termites build their colonies within loose, damp soil.

They create elaborate mud tunnels through which they access above-ground food sources. Subterranean Termites tend to move within foundation cracks and feed on damp wooden sections of the home or structures around the home. The presence of these mud tunnels are sure certain sign of current or past Termite infestation and activity.

 

Are they necessary??

Termites are an integral part of a fully functioning ecosystem, converting decaying organic cellulose material into fertile soil, out of which new generations of flora flourish. Today, the same biological traits that make termites ecologically beneficial also make them costly pests in suburban and urban environments.

In these areas, the termite’s need to feed on cellulose causes considerable damage to homes and other structures. Termites will consume wooden floors, support beams, foundations, furniture, books and many other materials found inside.

Termites swarm, and soldiers are known to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of their colonies. Soldier termites are equipped with enlarged mandibles, which they use to defend their colonies against enemies such as ants and other termite colonies. Worker termites are pale in color and are blind. Subterranean termites nest underground, while drywood termites establish their colonies within the wood on which they feed and do not need the soil.

 

They Bite??

While termite colonies include a highly evolved soldier caste, these soldier insects are equipped to combat invading insects, such as ants and members of rival termite colonies. Termite populations also cause severe harm to homes, but are not known to bite humans. Solider termites have the ability to bite humans, but would only do so if handled. Essentially, termites definitely bite wood and do attack other insects, but they do not bite people.

Although homeowners experiencing an infestation should not be concerned about receiving bites from termites, professional extermination methods should be sought and implemented to protect the structure of your home. Signs of termite infestation depend on the type of termite but can include termite droppings, damaged wood, sagging floors or ceilings, mud tunnels located near the foundation or winged swarmers.

 

Nests??

Termite Mud Tube

Termites are insects that live in colonies and create their own habitats. Queen, soldier, worker and larval termites live in nests or mounds. These termite nests are either located in the soil or wood.

Depending on the termite species, mud-based termite nests may be either subterranean or above ground in the wood. Both subterranean and above-ground termite nests also function as shelter and a place to rear their offspring.

Termite nests have been reported to be extremely large, spreading over a 50 to 100 meter radius. Subterranean nests are comprised of internal roads which allow worker termites to gather and deliver food to the colony.

Some tropical subterranean termites build amazing above-ground mounds which can grow to be extremely tall; some mounds found in Africa and Australia stand six meters high. They utilize the same strong mud as subterranean nests and exhibit the same tough exterior.

 

Enemies??

Termites are insects that live in colonies composed of thousands of specimens and which appear to function as a single organism. Individual insects will also sacrifice themselves to protect or benefit the colony.

However, rival termite colonies oftentimes act as enemies. When two colonies compete for resources, both colonies can be harmed. There are several well-documented subterranean termite colonies that stretch for acres in barren deserts. These super colonies are composed of millions of insects each and can organize attacks against rival colonies.

Ants are also termite enemies. Battles between termites and ants are common. Although ants attack termites as a source of food, termites usually only attack ants in defense of the colony. Soldier termites are capable fighters and will sacrifice themselves to protect their colonies.

Termite Report??

In termite pest control, there are several possible documents, ranging from inspection to treatment reports. They may provide information about the activity at your home or what steps were taken to address it. These can sometimes be confusing to homeowners since they may contain a lot of information. Documents also may vary from state to state. If you have questions about reading your termite reports, consult the pest control provider who created the report.

 

Ants (flying) VS Termites:

Here are some simple ways to distinguish flying termites (swarmers) from winged ants.

Winged termites have a straight waist and straight antennae. Their wings are equal in size and are shed soon after they emerge from their nest, or swarm. Winged termites usually swarm in the early spring when it is warm and rainy.

Flying ants have pinched waists and bent antennae and are often mistaken for swarming termites. They have two sets of wings, one larger than the other. Depending on their species, flying ants may swarm at different times of the year.

In summary: