Which Countries Have Termites?
WouterTermites are wood-destroying pests that inhabit tropical and sub-tropical regions. They are also a natural resource. They provide a source of nutritional value to humans and livestock. They are also used in traditional medicine.
Although they have been documented in the United Kingdom and New Zealand, termites do not normally occur naturally in these countries. In fact, in 1994 a property owner reported a mysterious “white ant” under his bungalow. He tried to get planning permission for demolition, but was denied.
According to experts, 20 percent of Australian homes are infested with termites. Some species are only found in the tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. However, there are some species that have spread to other parts of the world.
Termites are classified into three major groups. The first is reproductive termites, which initially have two pairs of wings of equal size. After swarming flight, these reproductives drop their wings and form a new colony. The other two are worker termites and advanced termites.
Reproductive termites, which usually have black bodies, are referred to as “big termites” in Africa. They lay eggs thousands at a time. They are the largest termite in physical size.
Worker termites are responsible for feeding the nest mates. They are soft-bodied, wingless, and pale in color. They typically measure 4 to 6 millimeters in length.
Soldier termites, which are larger in size and have bigger mandibles, are the guardians of the colony. They are capable of fighting predators. They protect the colony by defending its workers. They are the largest contingent in most colonies.
