The Termite
Subterranean termites superficially resemble ants; their "white ant" name is probably due to their similar size and social habits.
Termites are insects that feed on wood and serve an important function in nature by converting dead trees into organic matter. Unfortunately, the wood in buildings is just as appetizing to termites and they cause serious damage to residential and commercial buildings as well.
As social insects, termites live in colonies that number from several hundred to several million individuals at maturity. They are a prime example of decentralised, self-organised systems using swarm intelligence and use this cooperation to exploit food sources and environments that couldn't be available to any single insect acting alone. A typical colony contains workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals of both sexes, often containing several egg-laying queens.
Termites feed exclusively on wood and wood products containing cellulose. Termites have protozoa (microorganisms) in their intestines that provide enzymes to digest cellulose. Although termites are soft-bodied insects, their hard, saw-toothed jaws work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, a piece at a time.
Termites often infest buildings and damage lumber, wood panels, flooring, sheetrock, wallpaper, plastics, paper products and fabric made of plant fibers. The most serious damage is the loss of structural strength. Other costly losses include attacks on flooring, carpeting, art work, books, clothing, furniture and valuable papers.
Termites communicate primarily by secreting chemicals called pheromones. Each colony develops its own characteristic odor. An intruder is instantly recognized and an alarm pheromone is secreted that triggers the soldiers to attack. If a worker finds a new source of food, it lays a chemical trail for others to follow. The proportion of termites in each caste within the colony is also regulated chemically. Nymphs or immatures can develop into workers, soldiers or reproductive adults depending on colony needs. Sound is another means of communication. Soldiers and workers may bang their heads against the tunnels creating vibrations perceived by others in the colony and serving to mobilize the colony to defend itself.
Termites Cause More Damage than Storms and Fires!
There's no doubt that fire and weather cause a devastating amount of damage, and each disaster that occurs is highly dramatic and emotional. In fact, more than 365,000 homes in the U.S. are involved in a fire each year. Less dramatic - but no less disastrous - is the damage caused by termites. Termites cause more than $1.5 billion annually in damage every year. That's more than fires, storms, tornadoes, earthquakes, and hurricanes combined!
While Homeowner's Insurance can help recover losses from fires, floods, and earthquakes, but it is almost impossible to get insurance against termites. Unlike fire and weather catastrophes, when termite damage begins, it can remain undiscovered for years. But eventually it can lead to sagging floors or rafters, loose trim, cracked plaster, and more. Eventually, major repairs to the structure may be necessary.
At Cadenhead Services, our professional pest control operators have the knowledge, the experience, the materials, and the equipment to protect your home against termites.
