Termite Control
Where do termites come from? The termite order branches from an ancient wood cockroach-like insect about 100 million years ago. The advances in molecular data gives the proper evidence to confirm the origin of the termites. Termites as a majority are known to inhabit the tropical regions around the world. Few of the species are able to branch out into the northern territories. With the characteristics of being social insects, termites mimic other social insects like bees, ants, and wasps. Termites, though, are different in the simple reason that any cast can be male or female, but in other social insects all workers and soldiers are female! Throughout history, the termites, also called white ants or wood bugs, have destroyed structures and invaded homes over countless centuries. They continue to cause billions of dollars in damage every year all over the world. Termites today that spend their lives within the food source are the most primitive of termite species. The next more moderately adapted termites live in the soil and forage for wood. African termites are some of the most advanced termites in the world that farm funguses and grasses. These termites live in the soil all of their lives and construct mounds that are in the record books. They also rank amongst the largest in the world. The movement to understand these insects has led to many discoveries and ideas. Leading researchers and engineers are copying the structure and venting mechanics of African termite mounds. There are also experimental trials being conducted using termites to create biofuels. The termites are truly novel insects that are ranked amongst the most successful insect pests.
Termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year and we know this can be scary. The termite’s secret is their stealth. They work behind the scenes, day and night, eating away at the wood structures that support and surround your home. Framing, roof trusses, decking and fencing, it’s all on the termite’s menu. Termite colonies grow quickly, unseen, devouring homes from the inside out. By the time most homeowners are aware they have a termite problem, it’s too late. The structural damage is done and requires costly repairs that homeowner’s insurance won’t cover. No Bugs Free Termite Inspection can ensure your home stays off the termite menu!
Termite Facts
Queen termites from the Termitidae family can produce 10 million eggs per year.
Some termite species’ queens can lay 15 to 25 eggs per minute--and over 40,000 per day.
Termites also use vibrations to communicate with one another. When soldier sense a threat, they tap or bang their heads against the colony’s tunnel walls, creating vibrations to warn the rest of the colony.
Termite queens dictate which role her young will grow into by feeding them her pheromone-laden feces. The type of pheromone the queen secretes onto this waste determines the role the consuming termite will grow into.
Each year, termites inflict more than 5 billion dollars worth of property damage.