Termites Facts & Information
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Inside the World of Termites
Fossils of the little insects known as termites have been discovered dating back over 100 million years. They belong to the Blattodea family, which includes cockroaches. This type of termite is unique among insects in that it lives in colonies and subsists only on wood. Even though they're more common in hot and humid climates, you may find them all over the world. Termites are terrifying to many people due to the extensive damage they can inflict on homes and other wooden buildings caused by their insatiable need for cellulose.
Identification
Anatomy and Life Stages of Termites
Body length varies by caste and species, but termites are typically pale and soft, measuring between a quarter of an inch and half an inch. The head, thorax, and abdomen make up the main parts of their bodies. Termites are easily identifiable from ants by their straight and beaded antennae and strong waists, which do not have the pinched appearance. The coloration of this species may range from creamy white to light brown or even darker shades.
Every member of a termite colony, from workers to soldiers to reproductives, has a wide variety of distinctive morphological characteristics. In contrast to the wingless workers and soldiers, the termites that reproduce, called alates or swarmers, are darker in color and have two pairs of long, equal-sized wings. Males and females in the reproductive caste look very similar and can only be differentiated by close examination of their reproductive organs.
Termites begin their life cycle when the queen lays eggs. These eggs hatch into nymphs, which develop into workers, soldiers, or reproductives depending on the colony’s needs. While the warriors defend the colony from outside dangers, the workers provide for its food and building requirements, and the reproductives leave the nest to start new colonies. Instead of going through a pupal stage, termites go through a succession of molts to become adults.
Characteristics
Specialized Traits That Help Termites Thrive
Termites are unique among insects due to their complex social structure and ability to consume wood. Enzymes produced by symbiotic bacteria in their intestines are necessary for the digestion of cellulose. Many animals build elaborate nests underground or in trees. In order to construct new nests, reproductive termites may swarm and take flight.
Habits
How Termites Live, Eat, and Reproduce
Most of a termite's time is spent inside the colony, where it feeds, takes care of its young, and maintains its tunnels. Their main source of nutrition is cellulose, which is plentiful in plants, paper, and wood. It may take a long time for damage to become apparent since insects eat wood from the inside out. In order to locate partners and build new nests, termites that reproduce swarm during the warmer months.
Common indoor termite habitats include wooden beams, flooring, and furnishings. They build their homes outside using a variety of materials such as soil, fallen trees, and mud tubes. Termites prefer warm, humid environments with moderate to high moisture levels, as dry conditions can be harmful to them. Because they avoid light and often hide underground or in wood, they do best in damp, dark places.
Damage
The Hidden Costs of a Termite Infestation
Damage to timber beams, floors, and walls caused by termites may be substantial and pose a threat to the building's structural integrity and safety. A hollow-sounding wood, a few mounds of fallen wings, and mud tubes running along walls or foundations are the first telltale indications.
Termites are notoriously elusive until the harm is done because they hide in wood. Because of the expense of repairs and potential decrease in property value, infestations may be a major source of anxiety and worry for homeowners.
Health Risks
Health Risks and Safety Issues Linked to Termites
Termites do not actively harm people by biting or stinging, hence there is no direct threat to human health. But since termites feed on moist, decaying wood, they may exacerbate interior air quality problems. People who are allergic, have respiratory inflammation, or suffer from asthma may have symptoms after being exposed to mold spores.
Termite corpses or lost wings may also cause moderate skin irritation in some individuals. Although termite bites are uncommon and often won't cause any harm, termites may cause structural damage, which can make a home hazardous if not fixed. Termites pose a greater risk to buildings and contents than they do to people's well-being.
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