10 Things You Didn’t Know About Termites

Year after year, termites chow down on homes across the country causing billions of dollars in damage. Families across the world find these insects to be serious pests. Wood on top of and inside the structure of homes, as well as, personal belongings are susceptible to the ravenous appetite of these creatures. Sometimes confused with ants, termites differ in their physical makeup, behavior, and biology. They are exciting insects that do benefit the environment. That is when you can get them to stop eating your home.

All of Mother Nature’s creatures need to live, reproduce, and eat. The problem occurs when it is your home, barn, or garage that has become a five-course meal! If you suspect these cellulose eaters have invaded your structure, get help from the certified professionals at Times Up Termite, Inc. We work with you to inspect your home, assess possible damage, and tailor a termite treatment service for your needs.

Termite Control Begins with Knowing the Enemy

All living beings have their parts in the animal kingdom. This includes termites. Check out these 10 fascinating facts about termites:

• Termites are Nature’s decomposers. These insects break down tough plant fibers found in wood which in turn recycles dead and decaying trees producing new soil. When they tunnel underground, they aerate the soil.
• They live in a symbiotic relationship. To digest the tough cellulose fibers, termites receive help from microorganisms residing within their guts. The bacteria and protozoa break down the cellulose enabling both organisms to live.
• Eating each other’s fecal matter is common. The beneficial microorganisms are not in the termite’s gut at birth. To obtain the bacteria, the insects will eat the feces of their colony mates, a process called trophallaxis.
• They have been around for a very long time. Termites share a common ancestor with cockroaches dating back to the Cretaceous period over 300 million years ago.
• King and Queen termites are monogamous. The king and queen work together throughout the length of their lives to build up their colony. Also, Dad takes part in the raising of offspring including helping feed them with predigested food.
• Only reproductive termites need eyes. Workers and soldiers live their lives in the dark. They do not need developed eyesight. The reproductive colony members fly away to mate and build new nests.
• Warning signals are but a headbang Soldiers will bang their heads against the nest walls to warn the colony of impending danger.
• Pheromones do most of the talking. Termites utilize unique chemical scents to communicate and control the behavior of the colony. Each colony has a distinct smell with which to be identified.
• Only reproductive members can fly. Those colony mates that can reproduce are winged and will leave their nest in search of a mate in what are called swarms. Once they find mates, they break off their wings and settle down to colony building.
• Good hygiene keeps the colony healthy. These insects make a great effort to stay clean in spite of spending so much time in the dirt. They even groom each other to keep parasites and harmful bacteria at bay.

Keep Your Oakland Home Safe with a Free Termite Inspection

Ensure the safety of your house and belongings when you recognize the power of these insects. Since 1991, the experts at Times Up Termite, Inc. have served homeowners across the Berkeley, Oakland, Castro Valley, and Fremont areas protect their homes from the destruction of Mother Nature’s decomposers.

Contact us at 510-568-7200 to speak with our team of experts at Times Up Termite, Inc. You can also get in touch online to request a free estimate for termite control in Oakland.