Termites 

Types of Termites

Author: Travis Killian

Termites might be secretly infesting a house without being noticed by the homeowners. Pest Management Professionals, however, are trained to determine several signs of termite infestation. These people know where to specifically look for these signs and are able to assess the severity of the infestation by means of careful observation.

Even if you are able to detect that termites are actively roaming your vicinity, locating their nests can be a completely different quest. It requires a great deal of work and energy to locate a termite nest. Sometimes people get so caught up in killing every termite that they see; they forget that a nest is replacing these workers as rapidly as they are perishing. You must ask yourself where termites live and what type of environment would house their colonies before advancing in your endeavors.

Generally, termites live on pieces of wood and underground. However, they can also take shelter within your real estate. It can be difficult to spot this species in your home, so consulting a professional is advised before disregarding their presence.

Subterranean termites live on top of soil, which makes this species easier to spot. These termites use mud tubes to connect their nests to their food sources. This provides an ideal transportation system - especially since they lack eyesight and have to rely on other senses. These pathways also serve as a way to protect them against natural enemies such as ants.

Where do termites live besides underground? Termites also thrive well in dry wood. Such choice of habitat gave them the name drywood termites. These organisms live in the same place where they get their nutrition. Signs of their nesting activity include leaks, holes and cracks on wood portions of the house such as posts, doors, and flooring. Decayed wood, timber and tree trunks in the yard are also appealing places for drywood termites. Decayed wood is easy to digest and contains fungi that are also good sources of nitrogen for termites.

Termites, like all animals, must live in an environment that is essential to their survival. They need moisture, food, and protection against extreme weather and natural enemies. Think like a termite and you might be able to find their nest.

Remember that termite activity is at its lowest in the winter. However, due to global warming and termite intellect guiding them for a perfect habitat, some termites can continue to feast on your property throughout the winter. You can use this knowledge that has been presented to inspect your property. If you are having trouble, feel free to consult a professional and seek their advice.

View more information about flying ants vs termites at the blog regarding Drywood Termites

termite damage Videos

Termite News

Fort Shafter Restores Termite-Eaten "Aloha Center"

HONOLULU (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed a $7 million, two-year-long restoration of a termite-eaten historic Fort Shafter building.

Termite free at last

Historic train depot seeks donations to pay for repairs and fumigation.

Termite saliva may hold key to biofuels

A tiny bug could help solve one of the world’s biggest problems.

Termite terminator additive tested here

Augusta, Kan. — Dr. Bob Davis of Austin, Texas, is a national field representative for the BASF testing program of a “secret additive” in a decade-old pesticide which bugs termites to death.

Guest Post: A Termite-Riddled House: Treasury Bonds

Submitted by Gonzalo Lira A Termite-Riddled House: Treasury Bonds When termites eat your house, you don’t notice a thing. You don’t hear a thing, you don’t see a thing—you’re house stands there, silent and staid, while you and your family happily go about your days, without a care in the world—   —until your house crashes on top of your head.   Right now, we are at a stage where Treasury bonds ...