Termites are without a doubt one of the most threatening pests a home can encounter. The first step in termite control, though, is to know just what it is you are up against. With that in mind, here are ten little-known facts about termites:
- There are actually 45 different species of termites in the United States alone, and there are over 2,300 different species of termites worldwide.
- If you’re planning on termites going extinct anytime soon, we have some bad news: termites are thought to have existed on earth for more than 250 million years. Worse still, it is estimated that there are 1,000 pounds of termites in the world for every human that exists.
- Ants are the main predator of termites, and ants will sometimes organize a mass invasion of a termite colony.
- Termite colonies have sort of a caste system in which there are workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Of the three, only the reproductives have the ability to see.
- Thankfully, termites have never developed any kind of resistance to pesticides.
- Termites communicate with each other by secreting pheromones and by banging their heads back in forth, which causes vibrations that other termites can feel.
- Australian and African termites are impressive architects, building large, mound-like structures that have become tourist attractions due to their size and complexity
- A colony’s workers ensure the survival of the queen by tasting all of the food before bringing it to her. These “royal taste testers” serve as a safety net between the queen and any food that might cause her harm.
- The peskiest termite species is the Formosan termite, which is responsible for the majority of damage to wooden structures that termites cause.
- Whatever your thoughts on termites, you have to admire their work ethic. Termites never sleep and will work 24 hours a day, every day until their death.
Proper Termite Control
Termites may be a fascinating insect, but if they are destroying your home then they have got to go. If you would like to learn more about our termite control services, please contact us today.
