 Termites
Termites are constantly foraging for food. Workers will leave a
pheromone trail while they are foraging. This trail allows other
termites to also locate the food source.
Termites eat material that contains cellulose, such as wood, roots,
plant debris, paper or cardboard. Termites can gain entrance into a
structure through any part of the wood frame in contact with the
ground, through openings in the foundation around pipes and conduits
or through cracks in the foundation. Termites can enter through
cracks that are no wider than 1/64 of an inch.
Subterranean termites require moisture to survive. They will create
mud tubes to obtain access to a structure that is above ground.
These tubes are created from soil cemented with secretions and fecal
material. The tubes are to protect the termites from exposure to
sunlight or dry conditions. Termites are able to survive in a
structure without contact to the ground if there is a sufficient
moisture source.
Termite colonies consist of:
- Primary reproductives
Function of reproducing and laying
eggs
- Secondary reproductives
- Soldiers - defend the colony / nest from invaders
- Workers - forage for food and feed their nutrients to the
rest of the colony
What Can You Do to Help Protect Your Home?
Small steps make a big difference. Start by eliminating food and
moisture
conditions around your home. These simple steps will deter termites,
making
your home a less attractive target.
Eliminate Moisture Problems
* Repair leaking faucets, water pipes, and a/c units
* Divert water from foundation
* Keep gutters and down-spouts clean
* Ventilate crawl spaces
* 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 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
Warning Signs - Some indications you may have termites
include:
- 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.
Subterranean Termite:
Appearance
Four "castes" of a termite colony: workers are approximately
1/4-inch long, light-colored and wingless; soldiers have elongated
heads with mandibles; supplementary reproductives are light-colored
and wingless or have very short, nonfunctional wings.
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
Wood and other cellulose material.
Reproduction
Different rates of growth from egg stage to adult depending on
individual species; one queen per colony, which can lay tens of
thousands of eggs in its lifetime, but most eggs are laid by
supplementary reproductives in an established colony.
Other
Termites cause over $2 billion in damages each year. Subterranean
termites cause 95% of all termite damage in North America. Colonies
can contain up to 1 million members.
Drywood Termites:
Appearance
Larger than subterranean termites, up to one-half inch 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.
Diet
Wood and occasionally other cellulose material.
Reproduction
Nymphs pass through seven instars before reaching adulthood; sexual
forms eventually swarm to form new colony.
Other
Cause serious damage to structures, often long before they are
discovered; piles of sawdust-like pellets are a distinct sign of
infestation; not as widespread as subterranean termite; colonies may
contain up to 2,700 members.
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