 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Termite Control - a concern in 49 out of 50 states
There are about 2000 known species of termites throughout the world. In the U.S.,
Subterranean Termites, including Eastern, Western, Desert and Formosans, which build underground nests,
are a concern in every state except Alaska. Subterranean termites are extremely destructive,
because they tunnel their way to wooden structures (like your home), into which they burrow to
obtain food. Termites all share a virtually insatiable appetite for wood and other
cellulose-containing materials. Given enough time, they will feed on the wood until nothing is
left but a shell.
Learn more...
A Caste of Hundreds of Thousands
Termites are highly social insects that live in large colonies where populations can reach
more than one million. A colony consists of several structurally differentiated forms living together
as castes (including reproductives, soldiers, and workers) with different functions in community life.
In the spring, winged reproductives leave the parental nest in swarms to create a new colony. The
swarming lasts less than an hour, so it's very likely you'll never even see it. The winged reproductives
themselves look quite a bit like flying ants, for which they are often mistaken.
Those "Ants" Might be Termites
Both ants and termites have two pairs of wings, but ants' wings are
different sizes while the termites' wings are all the same size. Also,
ants have narrowed waists and elbowed antennae while termites have
thick waists and short, straight antennae that resemble strings of beads.
Don't be fooled by color or size. Ants can vary in size, and winged termites
can be brown or black like ants.
|
 |
Look for Signs
You're more likely to discover you have a termite problem by discovering the evidence they leave
behind rather than the actual termites themselves. If you encounter any of these telltale signs,
there's a good chance termites are busy snacking on your home:
- Piles of small, delicate wings shed by reproductives
- Small piles of sawdust
- Mud tubes built by termites for aboveground travel
- Damaged or hollow sounding wood
- Pinholes in drywall or wallpaper
Of course, it's quite possible to have a hidden termite problem even if you never notice any of these signs. The best way to be sure is to
contact a licensed pest control professional to conduct a complete inspection of your home. A Phantom Certified Professional will be able to determine if you have termites and recommend the best course of action for eliminating them quickly and completely.
Quick Facts about the Eastern Subterranean Termite
- An average Eastern Sub termite colony can consume 5 grams of wood per day,
the equivalent of 2 1/3 linear feet of a 2'x4' pine board annually.
- Colony growth is slow, and it may take years before swarmers are produced.
- Eastern Sub termites can enter buildings through cracks less than 1/16" wide.
- The termite colony is made up of different types (castes) of termites — each
with separate work responsibilities.
- Although Eastern Sub termite colonies are largely located in the ground below the
frost line, secondary colonies can exist above ground, and examples of true
above-ground colonies existing without any ground contact have been seen. However,
such above ground colonies have access to moisture and often the source is a roof or
plumbing leak.
- Eastern Sub termites will often build mud tubes for travel between their colonies
and their food sources.
- The king and queen in a colony can live for 10 to 30 years, while workers live for
about two years.
|
|
|
|
|
|
