How Many Termites Are There in Your Home?
WouterTermites are large insects that are found all over the world. They are part of an order called Isoptera. They are also very important to our ecosystems. They are responsible for making up to 10% of the biomass on Earth.
They have a long history, dating back to before dinosaurs even existed. Today, there are more than two thousand species of termites. Some are more voracious than others, depending on their environment. Some are also able to chew through wallpaper and flooring.
Some termite colonies are so large that they cause serious structural damage. Typically, each colony contains hundreds of thousands of termites. They can be very hard to spot, especially if they are hidden. However, you can find a termite infestation by tapping on a piece of wood. This will reveal a hollow sound and a paper thin layer of debris.
There are many different types of termites, including subterranean and drywood termites. They are divided into various castes, based on the role they play within the colony. Most of them feed on cellulose in wood.
They have large mouthparts and oblong-shaped heads. They have a tendency to chew through anything that looks like wood, including fence posts and wallpaper.
Termite swarms are a common indicator of an infestation. They occur when a colony mates. The resulting pair usually begins laying eggs immediately. They then fly off to a new location to expand the colony.
They are a huge threat to homeowners, so it is important to find a way to keep them out. For a start, you may want to consider using a specialized termite control product.
