Termites are insects that live in colonies and feed on dead plant matter. They are found on all continents, except Antarctica. They are members of the infraorder Isoptera, and the family Termitoidae. Termites are an important pest for homeowners, and they need to be controlled before they cause damage to the home.
Flying termites
Flying termites, also known as alates, are one of the many types of termites. Once they take flight, they usually remain aloft for about an hour, during which they feed on wood and die. These termites can cause a lot of damage to homes.
Subterranean termites
If you suspect that you have subterranean termites, you should start by inspecting your home. These tiny insects live underground and build mud tubes to maintain their moist environment. They also forage in your home, feeding on wood. While you might not notice the termites themselves, you can hear their chewing noises if you press your ear to a piece of wood.
Dry-wood termites
There are a number of different types of termites that can affect your home. One of these is called a dry-wood termite, and they are a type of subterranean termite that can cause significant damage to your home. However, unlike other types of termites, dry-wood termites do not transmit any diseases, and they pose only a small risk to you and your family. In addition to damaging your home’s wood, dry-wood termites can also damage your home’s foundation and beams, which will cost you a lot of money.
Termite swarms
When you notice a swarm, it is time to take action to protect your home. Swarms are a common sign of a termite infestation and can often be spotted during spring. This is when young male and female termites start choosing new places to form colonies. Swarmers don’t generally cause physical damage to your home, but they can be extremely costly.
Termite colonies
The diversity of termite colonies has been found to be an evolutionary advantage. The diversity of termite genes allows the termites to keep themselves healthy. For instance, the queens of mixed-sex colonies carry pouches of sperm, and all-female colonies have empty tanks.
Termite baits
Termite baits are designed to reduce the population of termites. These baits have been shown to reduce the termite population in laboratory tests. If the baits are placed in the proper location, termites will consume the bait, which will lower the termite population and reduce the amount of damage that they do.
Termite swarms in winter
Termite swarming is a natural process by which termites reproduce and create a new colony near food sources. The process begins in the spring, when the young termites develop wings and disperse through the air and mud tubes of subterranean termites and the ground in drywood termites. These insects are not harmful to humans, but they can leave noticeable markings on your property. Termite swarming usually occurs once or several times a year.
Termite swarms in summer
Termite swarms in the summer are one of the most common pest problems homeowners face. While you cannot prevent them from occurring, you can still do something about them to prevent further damage. Termites swarm when they come out of their underground homes in search of light. If your home is hit by a swarm, you can hire a pest control company to get rid of termites.
If you need a termite inspection in Arizona contact Atomic Pest Control, we service Mesa, Phoenix, Flagstaff and state of Arizona.
