Termite Trivia
Finding termites is pretty much every homeowner's worst nightmare. The damage and expense can be horrific. Considering that termites can devalue a home by 25%, homeowners are right to panic. These pests are not only property destroyers, but are difficult to detect as they are great at hiding in tubes and dark locations. Termite Trivia Amazingly, these pests are also fairly interesting when their behavior and lifestyle is taken into account. Check out these interesting facts about termites.
- Termites have been around since dinosaurs roamed the Earth.
- Cellulose, especially that found in wood, is a termite's primary and most available food source.
- A termite has a voracious appetite. They consume wood, flooring, and even wallpaper non-stop, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Termites work as a colony. So, envision thousands of termites working toward the same goal - eating your wood structure.
- Termite scouts mark a trail to food so the entire colony knows where to travel to find wood!
- Termites are a valuable part of the ecosystem, believe it or not! Termites are the decomposers or recyclers who help break down waste. Unfortunately, sometimes they see that waste as your home instead of the wood and tree stumps in your backyard.
- Whatever termites cannot digest gets passed through their system and emerges in the form of tiny, hexagonal, wood-like pellets. If you find frass in or around your home, it may be a sign of a drywood or dampwood infestation.
- Typically, subterranean termite colonies contain 60,000 to 1 million soldiers, workers, and reproductives, but only one queen.
- Most termites are blind. Soldier and worker termites perform their tasks in the dark. Therefore, it is not necessary for them to have sight. The only termites with sight are kings and queens in search of mates.
If you have termites or just suspect that you might, call Pest-End Exterminators at 1-800-287-4321, 603-382-9644, or 978-794-4321 to have your home or property inspected.
