As a homeowner, the last words you want to hear are, “You have termites”. This is a lot of people’s worst nightmare. Thankfully, when you search for Claremore Pest Control and find Platinum Pest and Lawn, we can help with the prevention and treatment of termites!
Termites are a group of detritophagous eusocial insects which consume a variety of decaying plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, and soil humus. They are recognised by their moniliform antennae and the soft-bodied and often unpigmented worker caste which is why they are often referred to as “white ants”. However, they are not ants, but they are distantly related. About 2,972 extant species are currently described, 2,105 of which are members of the family termitidae which is the largest family of termites. Similar to ants and some bees and wasps, most termites have an analogous worker and Soldier system consisting of mostly sterile individuals which are physically and behaviorally distinct. Unlike ants, most Colonies begin from sexually mature individuals known as the king and queen that together form a lifelong monogamous pair. Also unlike ants, which undergo a complete metamorphosis, termites undergo an incomplete metamorphosis that precedes through egg, nymph, and adult stages. termite colonies range in size from a few hundred individuals to enormous societies with several million individuals. Most species are rarely seen, having a cryptic life- history where they remain hidden within the Galleries and tunnels of their nests for most of their lives. And for this reason it is best to search for Claremore Pest Control so that Platinum Pest and Lawn can search for these termites which are hard to find so you don’t have to.
Termites’ success as a group has led them to colonizing almost every global landmass, with the highest diversity occurring in the tropics where they are estimated to constitute 10% of the animal biomass, particularly in Africa which has the richest diversity with more than a thousand described species. They are important decomposers of decaying plant matter in the subtropical and tropical regions of the world, and their recycling of wood and plant matter is of considerable ecological importance. Many species are ecosystem engineers capable of altering soil characteristics such as hydrology, decomposition, nutrient cycling, vegetative growth, and consequently surrounding biodiversity through the large mounds constructed by certain species.
Termites have several impacts on humans. They are a delicacy in the diet of some human cultures in some parts of the world such as Venezuela, where they are commonly used as a spice. They are also used in traditional medicinal treatments of various diseases and ailments, such as influenza, asthma, bronchitis, etc. Termites are most famous for being structural pests. Here in Oklahoma, termites are only a pest and never a delicacy. Use Claremore Pest Control to get rid of these pests in or around your home. Unfortunately, the distribution of most known pest species is expected to increase over time as a consequence of climate change. increased urbanization and connectivity is also predicted to expand the range of some pest termites.
Like most pests that we treat for, termites are found on all continents except Antarctica. Termites are usually small, measuring between 4 and 15 mm in length. The largest of all extant termites are the Queens measuring up to over 10 cm in length. Most worker and soldier termites are completely blind since they do not have a pair of eyes. However, some have compound eyes which they use for orientation and to distinguish sunlight from moonlight. A termites antenna has a number of functions such as the sensing of touch, taste, odors including pheromones, heat and vibration. The termite Anatomy consists of three segments. each segment contains a pair of legs. The Wings are located at the mesothorax and the metathorax which is consistent with all four -winged insects. the non-reproductive castes of termites are wingless and rely exclusively on their six legs for locomotion. The appearance of the legs is similar in each caste but the soldiers have larger and heavier legs. The structure of the legs is consistent with other insects. Unlike in ants, the hind wings and forewings are of equal length. Most of the time they are poor flyers, their technique is to launch themselves in the air and fly in a random direction. Usually smaller termites cannot fly long distances like larger termites can. When a termite is in flight, its wings remain at a right angle, and when the termite is at rest, its wings remain parallel to the body. It’s remarkable that these tiny horrible flyers are able to get around as much as they do and cause such destruction. Thankfully when you search for Claremore Pest Control, you won’t have to worry about them causing destruction at your home.
In Oklahoma we have what are called subterranean termites. These are termites that travel underground. Because of this, they can enter the home undetected and feast on the structure of the home for years even decades before there is any evidence. For this reason it is best to search for Claremore Pest Control. In Oklahoma especially, it’s not IF you get termites, it’s WHEN you get termites. It is going to happen sooner or later. Conditions that are conducive to termites is moisture around the foundation of the home, earth to wood contact, and wood stored around a home. There are three kinds of subterranean termites. There are the soldiers, which protect the colony from invaders. There are the workers, who collect the food. And there are swammers, who go to start new colonies. The swarmers are normally active during April and May.
Subterranean termites cause over $5 billion in damages every year just in the US alone.. They are by far the most destructive species of termite and are responsible for over 95% of all termite damage in North America. These termites are literally capable of collapsing entire buildings. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of these termites work like shears to bite off small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. It is said that termites are more destructive than fires or terrible storms! It’s a no-brainer that you should use Claremore Pest Control, and schedule a free Termite estimate with Platinum Pest & Lawn today!
