Termite Information

Although they have distinct characteristics most look similar.

Termite information. These hungry insects are vital to the health of our forests. Termites secrete a wide variety of different pheromones from glands located on their chests. Until recently the termites were the order isoptera which is now the suborder. Termites all belong to the phylum arthropoda the class insecta and the order isoptera.

Even though termites are not closely related to ants they are sometimes referred to as white ants. Phylogenetic studies have shown that the closest relative to the termite is the cockroach. Some species such as the west indian drywood termite cryptotermes brevis are regarded as invasive species. Termite colonies eat non stop 24 hours a day seven days a week.

Some of the ways to discover if you have termites are listed below. What is a termite. There are over 2 000 different species of termites with over 40 species in the united states alone. The termite caste system has three levels.

For this reason termites are sometimes placed in the order dictyoptera which also contains the mantids. Termites are a delicacy in the diet of some human cultures and are used in many traditional medicines. Termite order isoptera any of a group of cellulose eating insects the social system of which shows remarkable parallels with those of ants and bees although it has evolved independently. Examine by probing exposed wood for hollow spots using a flathead screwdriver or similar tool.

Our goal is to provide accurate factual termite information. Identify termite swarms sometimes ant swarms are mistaken as termites. Several hundred species are economically significant as pests that can cause serious damage to buildings crops or plantation forests. Termites have sense organs located on their base of their antennae and tibiae that allow them to sense vibrations.

There are approximately 45 species of termites in the u s. If they go unnoticed and untreated a termite infestation will completely destroy wood structures. Termites are social insects that live in colonies with caste systems which means termites are organized into. The total weight of all of the termites in the world is more than the weight of all the humans in the world.

Termites have wings that they shed. Termites are the single greatest economic pest in the united states. They cause billions of dollars in damage each year to homes and buildings. Different pheromones communicate a wide variety of information to other caste members including where food is where threats are and more.

Termites are actually important decomposers. It has been known for decades that termites are closely related to cockroaches predominately the wood eating species of roach. They break down tough plant fibers recycling dead and decaying treesinto new soil. As they tunnel termites also aerate and improve the soil.