The Bug Guy

Termites are every homeowner’s nightmare. They not only eat through the wood in walls they are difficult to detect. However, there is much more to termites than you may think. Here are just a few fascinating facts about these saw-toothed, silent property destroyers.

Insatiable Hunger

It is not recommended to follow the typical diet of a termite colony. They consume wood, flooring, and even wallpaper non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To better put this in perspective, it is estimated that an established subterranean termite colony, here in the valley, needs approximately a board foot of 2X12 wood to survive for a year. Just imagine the damage that could be done over time if left undetected.

Mob Mentality

Although termite colonies can be made up of millions of individuals, termites do not work alone. Termites are social insects, and the activity of a colony is dictated by swarm intelligence. With this system, colonies can take advantage of resources one termite couldn’t by itself. It helps termite colonies be very efficient at establishing themselves in a house they have infested.

Colony Cliques

Termites have specialized jobs within the colony. These different groups have specific features that help them perform their job so the colony can grow. A typical termite colony consists of workers, soldiers, nymphs, and reproductive individuals.

Workers make up most of the colony. They are responsible for foraging as well as maintaining the nest and the colony’s eggs. Worker termites are most likely to be found in infested wood. Other individuals serve as soldiers who protect the rest of the colony. These soldiers have enlarged jaws that can block tunnels in case of an attack by ants. Interestingly, many soldiers have jaws so large that they cannot feed themselves. Nymphs are young termites and, in some species, take on the duties of worker termites. One way in which termites differ from other social insects is that a colony has a primary queen and king who mate for life. However, a colony will also have a class of winged reproductive individuals that can leave to start other colonies.

If you think you have a termite infestation or to learn how to protect your home from termites, be sure to contact a licensed pest professional.

Submitted by Larry Cash, of Estrella Mountain Pest Control, Estrella resident