Termites might not be anyone’s best friend, but they are interesting creatures. There is so much to learn about them aside from being wood-destroying insects. There is more than meets the eye. Surely, they exist not just to destroy homes, but they play an important role in the balance of nature for just about every animal or insect on this planet.
To properly prevent their invasion, it is important to understand their true nature, behavior, and some interesting facts and misconceptions about them. Learning about their existence is a major key to effectively eradicating them. Here, we compile facts and common misconceptions about termites. Read on!
Five Facts about Termite
Damage caused by termites is in billions every year. They are a threat not just to homeowners but also to the agricultural industry. But, if termites can talk, they will surely depend on and explain themselves. We could learn more useful facts about them if that’s possible.
Termites are vital in our environment.
Every animal and insect has a significant role to play in our ecosystem. Termites must turn to decay dead trees into fertile soil by aerating and breaking down essential wood fibers. They help other insects improve the soil quality, promoting new growth.
Termites don’t sleep.
Termites are busy critters; they work day and night to survive and expand their colonies. They can stay awake throughout their two-year lifespan. What makes them busy is their continuous effort to make tunnels, nests, and caves and locate food sources. They are wasting no time in improving their lives.
Termites are edible.
Shockingly, termites are delicious. In some cultures, it is considered a delicacy and traditional medicine to cure mild illnesses. In Singapore, queen termites are eaten alive, soaked in rice wine, or dipped in alcohol. Macu Indians eat termites when they are experiencing food scarcity and drought.
Termites are protein-enriched insects. Additionally, they are high in amino acids, which is good for our health. Next time you see termites, try to add them to your omelet; follow the right method to cook it properly.
Termites are blind.
Termites use pheromones and vibration signals to communicate with each other. Their sense organs are located on their antennae and tibiae, which allows them to pick up vibrations. When they feel threatened, they bang their head on the tunnel’s wall to warn others.
Termites use pheromones to share information with fellow termites. They leave scent trails from their glands to guide others. Every termite colony has a different scent.
Termites are Ancient
Though most termites have only a two-year life expectancy, their species is far older. They’ve been eating wood for approximately two hundred million years. Their lineage is ancient, and they have the same descendants of species of cockroaches that lived three hundred million years ago.
Five Common Myths about Termites
Sometimes, our misconceptions about termites are the only thing that prevents us from eliminating them from our homes. Various beliefs about them may sound true, but it’s the opposite. Let’s debunk some of the myths regarding termites.
Termites can eat concrete.
Concrete is not part of termites’ diet. Termites can go through cracks and crevices in concrete to build nests and use them as an entryway to our home. They can also build mud tunnels on concrete to reach wooden structures that are not attached to the ground.
Termites and ants are related.
Similarities between termites and ants are abundant; they live in colonies, produce larvae, and have queens. But they belong to totally different biological families. Termites come from the insect group Blattodea, which makes them closely related to cockroaches.
Termite damage is easy to spot.
Most termite infestations can go undiscovered until your house starts to crumble. Termites are silent destroyers; they can cause serious structural damage when left unchecked. So watch out for early signs of termite invasion to minimize destruction.
Termites have a short life.
Her majesty can live for over twenty-five years and lay two thousand eggs daily. Resulting in the continuous growth of their colony. Average soldier termites can live for two years, and with their comrade, they can invade a wide area on your property.
Termites will transfer to my house if my neighbor gets a termite treatment.
Termites have large nests and interconnected underground passageways to reach other colonies. One large termite’s nest can host several colonies that can infest homes in a certain area. Termites will not transfer to your house; instead, they will be more active in homes that are already infested.
Signs of Termite Infestation.
Signs of structural damage in your house can detect termite infestation. These damages can often be seen when the destruction is huge. Mud tubes, hollow sounds on wood, discarded wings, and termite waste products are the most common sign of termite infestation.
To avoid infestation, homeowners should reduce moisture in their homes, remove discarded logs, and fix roof and waterlogged drainage. More importantly, apply wood preservatives or sealants as a chemical barrier against termites.
Professional VS. DIY Method in Eliminating Termites
Choosing the right method to eliminate termites properly is quite a challenge. Both techniques are helpful, but which is more effective? If budget is not an issue, professional treatment is a viable solution. But, if you’re looking for a cost-friendly treatment, a do-it-yourself method is an ideal choice.
Professional treatment involves using formulated chemical solutions to kill termites quickly. It can effectively kill termites and has a long-lasting effect. DIY methods utilize natural remedies and commercial products to treat termites. The effectiveness is only guaranteed for a short time.
Conclusion
Termite damage is a serious problem that needs a serious solution. To eliminate termites, trust the experts and don’t believe in tell-tale myths and beliefs. A homeowner is the sole responsible for preventing termites from damaging their home. So, knowledge of termites’ signs and facts is vital.
To properly eliminate termites, you can follow effective guides on keeping them away or ask for the help of licensed termite killers. They can do termite inspections to assess the damage and find a solution. Always remember that your house’s future is in your hands.
