TERMITES-
|
 While
there are several species in North America, the eastern subterranean termite,
Reticulitermes flavipes, is the most prevalent in Connecticut. In nature,
termites help convert dead wood and other organic matter containing cellulose,
into humus. From this standpoint, termites are very beneficial animals.
Termites became a problem when people began building with wood. In some
cases, termites also feed on firewood, cardboard boxes, old newspaper, sheetrock,
and furniture.
Termite colonies, located five to twenty feet below the surface of the ground, can house anywhere from 60,000 to 1 million termites. The vast majority of these colonies are made up of the damage doers- the workers. Feeding upon the wooden components of a structure, as well as some of the other items mentioned above, the workers return to the colony with their stash and feed all the other members.
Termites are constantly foraging for new sources of wood or cellulose, building mud tubes as they proceed. They travel great distances to find any source of sustenance. Termites can attack structures through expansion joists, settling cracks, or pipe openings in the slab. They can also tunnel through hollow block and stone foundations. Termites will often travel directly up the exterior foundation, especially if there is wood-to-ground contact (e.g. siding to the ground). Other common entry points are stoops and porches attached to the house, for they are commonly dirt filled.
Termite swarmers, or termites with wings, are often the
first visible indication that termites are present. Young reproductive termites
leave the old colony in swarms to establish a new settlement of their own.
The swarmers are attracted to light, and shed their wings once they have
reached their destination. Homeowners often find hundreds or thousands of
wings around a windowsill or other light source. Temperature, moisture,
light conditions and even barometric pressure can influence swarming activities.
As a general rule, swarmers emerge on warm, sunny days when humidity is
high, often on days following rain showers.
Termite Control |
