How Do Termites Give Off Heat?
Termites are a destructive insect. They can destroy houses and structures, causing approximately $40 billion in damages each year. They live underground, constructing nests and tunnels. Their bodies are soft, and they do not have hard shells. They are vulnerable to high temperatures, and they can be detected using thermal imaging equipment.
Termites have internal mechanisms for controlling their environment. These include the convective process, which circulates air and moisture through the nest. The temperature gradients within the mound drive this process. The flow also reverses twice a day.
Some termite species build closed nests with no ventilation. Others use a network of tiny micropores to exchange carbon dioxide. The pore structure allows them to breathe like a lung. This is useful in locating cellulose-rich areas.
During swarming season, the colony releases hundreds of flying termites. They scout for food and leave scent trails. These scents can be followed through gardens, mulch, and wood.
While research into the biology of termites has yielded important insights into termite behavior and behavior of other insects, scientists are still trying to uncover broader principles that apply to all species. They have found that different species of termites rely on different traits to determine which type of nest they will build.
Various termite species have unique techniques for coping with high heat. Some species move to cooler areas, while others enjoy the warmth. A third species uses a micropore structure to exchange carbon dioxide and respire.