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Termites
Are fully social insects that come in a wide variety of physical forms. It is now obvious that they are an extremely specialized type of cockroach, with significantly more complicated social networks and a far wider range of foods than ordinary cockroaches. Accoding to National Geographic Channel Termite live in colonies that include reproductive (kings, queens, and nymphs), soldiers, and “helpers” (true workers and also immature stages that assist within the colony to some extent). Termite morphological and anatomical adaptations are caste-specific, with structures evolving independently in reproductive (to allow dispersal, pair bonding, and fecundity), workers (foraging and feeding, tending and feeding of immatures, nest construction), and soldiers (foraging and feeding, tending and feeding of immatures, nest construction) (only defense).
The alterations exhibited in termite communities are comparable to those found in the somatic sections of multicellular animals, leading to the view that a termite colony is best conceived of as a single organism (or, more controversially, a “superorganism”). Termite structures, such as mounds and nests, may also be classified as part of this creature. Mounds and nests help termite colonies thrive by providing shelter, fortifications, and climate control. Termite have some of the most intricate social, anatomical, and structural adaptations of any animal.
What do termite look like
To determine if you have a termite infestation, you must first understand what a termite looks like. Even though there are numerous species of termite, these insects share a few traits. Here are some things to look for while recognizing termite:
- The bodies are white or brown. Termite are frequently confused with ants, however they are lighter in color.
- Wide waist. Termite have broad waists, unlike ants, which have slender waists like wasps.
- Antennas that are straight. Ants have bent antennae, but termite have straight antennae.
- Termite have six legs, just as ants. However, the wider breadth of a termite’s waist, colour, and antennae form can assist distinguish the two insects.
Types of Termite found in The Philippines
Philippine Milk Termite
This species is classified as the most voracious subterranean termite. They nest underneath structures such as patios, soil subsidence, under or inside tree trunks. When disturbed, they will emit a white, milky substance as defense.
Mound-building Termite
gilvus is known to be largest species of termite in the Philippines. The large brownish head of its major soldiers with well-developed mandibles are about 4 mm in length. This mound-building termite is usually found in gardens but will definitely feast on wood or other cellulose-based items on or near the ground. The destruction of one mound will not necessarily control the infestation if there are secondary nests in the area, and the primary Queen has not yet been exterminated.
Los Baños Termite
This species got its name from the place where it was discovered in Laguna. One very distinct ability of this species is building mud tunnels in columns that suspend from the ceilings. Aside from nests on the ground, they can also build above-ground nests on living or dead trees.
Luzon point-headed Termite
This species is known to nest above-ground on tree trunks, as well as on abandoned structures with semi-carton runways. It is easy to distinguish these termite because of their pointed head.
Sign of Termites
Mud tubes
Mud tubes are small tubes that serve as tunnels for termite mobility and protection. They are frequently formed of dirt, soil, and termite droppings. These mud tubes can be difficult to see because they are usually formed in dark, concealed areas of your land, but having these mud tubes is one of the most common red signs that require your immediate attention. This indicates that termites are already active on your property.
Small Droppings
The feces or excrements of termite are the simplest technique to check for infestation. Termites’ existence, like that of other pests, can be determined by their droppings. Termite excrete frass or droppings after feeding on wood, which they transport out of their chambers. It’s worth noting that termite don’t like their own regions to be dirty, so they shift their own droppings outside of their chambers or tunnels and use these deposits to construct mounds and piles. These are typically seen around walls and furniture. Check your wooden properties for microscopic particles that resemble coffee grounds, saw dust, or pellets. Termite are most likely to blame.
Short circuits in power supply
Most of the time, it’s just your local power company, however termite can also cause power outages!
If you notice that short circuits are becoming more frequent in your home, inspect your electrical fittings behind walls. The warmth of electrical fittings attracts termites with wings, which may be gnawing their way through the materials surrounding them. Examine your electrical fittings to determine if you have a termite infestation. It’s a good sign if you observe mounds or piles of dirt, silt, or what appears to be sawdust. However, do not attempt to repair the damage yourself as this is harmful.
Winged Termites
In the Philippines, there are several species of flying insects. However, do termites fly? Yes, some termite can fly, but not all of them, if you detect swarms of white, big-winged insects, especially after the summer and the start of the wet season, your home or its surrounding surroundings could be flying termite nesting grounds. These swarms frequently congregate in lampposts at night and can infest your home.
These swarms of termites breed in moist and rotting wood or trees, so if you have any of those on your property, you should look about for other signs.
Stacks of detachable wings
If you don’t see any termite swarms outdoors, have a check around the grounds, especially around the corners of walls, windows, and doors. If you find a mound of detached, discarded wings, you may have a termite infestation on your home. Flying termite prefer well-lit, warm environments and eventually shed their wings. You might mistake them for flying ants, yet the wings of flying termite are the same size. If your home is a breeding site, the shed-off wings are a dead giveaway.
Paint that has cracked, swelled, or bubbled
Most of the time, we believe that paint cracks, bloating, and bubbling of wall paint are caused by water leaks or a piping issue. Most of the time, this is right, however termites can also produce these. Termites eat away at the wood inside the walls, causing structural damage and compromising the wall’s durability and integrity. This causes damage to the exterior finishing, especially the paint.
If you see this indicator in your house, we can’t stop the infestation, but it’s definitely time to schedule an inspection to prevent more damage to your property.
Visible damage
The final but most obvious indicator is when you discover visible deterioration in the wooden sections of your home such as the ceilings, flooring, stairs, furniture, and even books and paper. Termites feed on practically anything, so if you notice damages that appear to be eaten away, don’t hesitate to contact your pest treatment service.
Controlling Termites
If you don’t know what to look for, it’s easy to miss the warning signals of a termite infestation. If you’ve detected any of the symptoms, your home is probably already infested. Termites can be tough to eradicate on your own, especially if the infestation is advanced. The best thing you can do is engage a termite treatment specialist to take care of the situation.
If you’re not sure what to do if you discover termites, your best bet is to contact a specialist. When you call in termite control professionals, they will be able to identify the type of termite in your property as well as the extent of the infestation. They will also be able to assist in taking care of it before the termites create any harm that includes Termite Control Warranty , DIY Termite Treatment, Termite Inspection, Signs of Termites, and why you have Termites in my House
Call Pestsolutions Inc. a regular member of Pest Exterminators Association of the Philippines if you suspect you have termite in your house or if you want to avoid future infestations. We realize how unpleasant dealing with termite in your house can be, as well as how catastrophic termite damage can be.
