Termites mostly feed on dead plant material and cellulose, generally in the form of wood, leaf animal, litter, or soil dung. Termites are major detritivores, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions, and their recycling of wood and plant matter is of considerable ecological importance. Unfortunately, this is of little comfort if it's your house that they are eating!
After mating, these termites locate a new breeding site and create another colony, spreading infestations throughout multiple locations in the case of drywood termites.
Small steps make a big difference in termite prevention and sustaining an effective termite treatment plan. When performing this examination, also be sure to keep an eye out for termite wastes.
Termites Are Cockroaches!
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Recent Reclassification
Termites were once classified in a separate order from cockroaches, but recent phylogenetic studies indicate that they evolved from close ancestors of cockroaches during the Triassic or Jurassic periods. It is possible, however, that the first termites emerged during the Permian or even the Carboniferous eras.
Termites mostly feed on dead plant material and cellulose, generally in the form of wood, leaf animal, litter, or soil dung. Termites are major detritivores, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions, and their recycling of wood and plant matter is of considerable ecological importance.
See also Spring Valley Pest Control: Cockroach Infestation
Termites Are a Successful Species
Termite queens have the longest lifespan of any insect in the world, with some queens living up to 50 years. Colonies are described as superorganisms because the termites form part of a self-regulating entity: the colony itself.
Some People Eat Termites!
Termites are a delicacy in the diet of some human cultures and are used in many traditional medicines. Several hundred species are economically significant as pests that can cause serious damage to buildings, crops or plantation forests. Some species, such as the West Indian drywood termite (Cryptotermes brevis), are regarded as invasive species.
The Silent Destroyer
Termites are often called the "silent destroyer" because they may be secretly thriving and hiding in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials. All homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide cellulose food for termite infestation.
A termite's mouth is capable of tearing pieces of woody material. House foundations, furniture, shelves and even books are all possible feeding sites for termites.
Subterranean termite 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 a colony has matured, winged, swarming termites can be seen around doors and windows. 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.
How to 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 of the professional treatment. Small steps make a big difference in termite prevention and sustaining an effective termite treatment plan.
For an effective termite protection plan, contact springvalleypestcontrol.com now.
Eliminate Moisture Problems
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and A/C units
- Divert water from foundation
- Keep downspouts and gutters clean
- Remove excessive plant cover and wood mulch
- Get rid of standing water on roof
- Keep all vents open and clear
- Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes
Remove Termite Food Sources
- Keep lumber, firewood or paper away from foundations and crawl spaces
- 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
Termites Are Dangerous
Only termites can single-handedly destroy a house and ruin its very foundation and character in just a few short years. The first destructive handiwork of termites may not even be noticeable for the first five years after their infestation. It is necessary to take the proper steps to protect your home from termites, and to rid your house of them immediately if they have already invaded your property.
You may not see direct evidence of termite infestation, but that doesn't mean you should remain ignorant of it. Sagging floors, holes in woodwork and hollow parts of your foundation are all serious warning signs of termites.
- Take a screwdriver and flashlight with you to your basement, and examine crawlspaces and foundation beams by tapping on the wood to check for hollowness and to push the screwdriver into the wood to test for strength. You may have a termite problem on your hands if the wood gives easily and falls apart.
- When performing this examination, also be sure to keep an eye out for termite wastes. Termite droppings are wood colored or darker brown pellets of excrement. The presence of these droppings near weakened wood could indicate an infestation.
- You may also find a termite nest on your property; a subterranean termite infestation will build a system of tunnels and tubes of mud, while a drywood termite infestation will present itself in a nest inside the wood.