Termites are small insects that eat wood. They build mud tubes to travel from soil to wood. Their mud tubes can enter homes through small cracks or gaps. Termites need wood to live, so they feed on it. In addition to wood, termites also eat other things, including electrical wiring, plumbing, and paint. In many cases, termites are a serious nuisance. Here are some things you need to know about termites.
Termites are related to ants
The evolutionary relationship between ants and termites is well-known. They are both hemimetabolous (food-producing) insects and have similar reproductive behavior. However, wood-dwelling termites have a distinct advantage over ants in nest-building: they have low nesting costs and a long lifespan. Additionally, wood-dwelling termites can be found in almost any habitat, including buildings.
They feed on wood
Termites, like other insects, feed on wood to create an environment conducive to their reproduction. Depending on their diet, these insects produce fecal pellets. Pellets are irregular and brown in color and can be found at the base of a chamber. Pellet formation is dependent on the type of wood infested. They are not easily distinguishable from fecal debris left by other insects.
They build mud tubes to move from soil to wood
Termites are known to build mud tubes around their nests to travel from soil to wood. These tubes are designed to provide protection from predators while allowing the termites to travel freely. In addition to protecting the termites from predators, these tubes also help them stay moist. If you notice mud tubes around your home, it is important to treat the area as soon as possible.
They can enter homes through small cracks
Termites enter your home through wood-to-wood contact or a small crack in the foundation wall. Cracks in concrete blocks and foundation walls may also be vulnerable to infestations. Termites will build their tunnels using dirt, saliva and waste materials to reach your home. While it may not be obvious at first, termites will damage your home over time by widening these cracks and causing additional pressure on the foundation. Regular inspections of the foundation and exterior of your home are essential components of termite control.
They can be controlled with insecticides
Termiticides are chemicals that kill termites. These chemicals are often used in conjunction with other pest control measures. The most commonly used insecticides are Premise 2 and Premise 75. Both are made from chemicals found in tobacco plants, including nicotine. Premise foams easily and is easy to mix. It causes termites to stop feeding and socializing and may cause repellency if applied in large amounts.
They are a common pest in Phoenix Arizona
While termites are commonly referred to as wood-eaters, they actually eat the cellulose that makes up wood. Termites are also known to feed on carpeting and sheetrock coverings. According to NC State University, 60,000 termite workers can eat the equivalent of a two-foot-square piece of lumber in 5 months. It’s therefore crucial to know how to spot these pests, as well as the various steps that need to be taken to get rid of them. We are the best Pest Control and Termite Control company in the Phoenix, AZ metro area look at our reviews.
If you need termite control, termite inspections, or termite treatment in the Phoenix, AZ metro area contact ACTION Termite & Pest Control for help.
