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TERMITE CONTROL        From Left to Right: Subterranean Termite Reproductive. Carpenter Ant Reproductive. Carpenter Ant and Sub-termite workers.    Control of termites is probably the most extensive form of pest control. Because of the amount of knowledge and work required. Termite operations must be performed with the construction understanding and the proper and safe use of the desired termite solution along with the ability to have expertise that will vary on each termite treatment. Termites are social insects and are a lot like ants. They divide their labor among castes. Different termite species will contain different castes. Nearly all termite species contains the reproductive, soldier and worker. The reproductive will swarm and perform a mating ritual every spring and very few females are in this swarm and even fewer will survive the swarm activity due to birds and and lizards and such that will make a fast meal of them. The workers are blind and perform the task of ingesting the cellulose protein from the wood and transfer this to the queen down below in the ground about twenty feet. The soldiers will fight off any entity that will thwart this mission. The soldiers act like the boss man in a work crew of the workers and there is about twenty or so workers for every soldier. Both the soldiers and the reproductive  do not eat wood and rely completely on the worker to receive food from.  Below is a subterranean termite tube or tunnel. It only needs about a 64th of an inch crack to slip through to get into your home. Termite Inspections for these pest should be done on a yearly basis. Usually in the first month of summer. Subterranean Termites are very dependent on the soil as a source of moisture. The loss of water greatly effects all forms, except the winged or primary reproductive. The softer bodied termites like the worker and the soldier lose water radidly with any exposure to dry air Therefore, termites constructs the tubing when passing over bare areas ( pic above). The tubes also provide warmth in winter and coolness in the summer. And, very important, it also provides safe haven from fire ants and other predators on the hunt for a food source. Termites really like to build the tubes in the corners right under a healthy food source. Mmmm, "What's for Dinner"?...Your House!                                                     Copyright © 2002 2005 www.natureking.com All rights reserved.