Termite
![[Larger view of a western yellow jacket]](images/termite1.gif)
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Termite Engineering:
Termites need earth moisture and cellulose from dead trees or the
wood in your house to survive. Free-standing mud tubes let termites
go from their soil nests to the wooden substructure of your home.
Termites can also build tubes over concrete, steel and even over metal
"termite shields".
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An
Inside Job:
Termites avoid light and air...usually hollowing out wood to obtain
their food (cellulose). So, wooden joists and rafters may look solid
while they are actually hollow. A professional inspection and treatment
are the best way to find and eliminate these hidden invaders.
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The
Reproducers:
The swarming kings
and queens don't do the actual damage, their offspring do. A queen
may live for 30 years, producing dozens, possibly hundreds of eggs
a day. A mature colony produces winged termite "swarmers"
that leave the colony to start new ones. Swarmers are not "wood
eaters," but their presence signals a need for inspection, and
possibly treatment.
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This
Is the Army:
Tough soldier termites
protect the colony from their enemies -- ants. Termites are one of
nature's best survival experts. They have existed since before the
Age of the Dinosaurs. Today, about the only proven way to stop them
is with a chemical barrier.
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Varied
Diet:
Termites attacked
this football shoe and overalls below it. Actually they'll eat about
120 common household materials. Homeowners can find unpleasant surprises
in stored suitcases and boxes.
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Your
Real Adversary:
A heavy infestation
could mean 250,000 or more of these white worker termites searching
for and eating cellulose. Instead of hoping they don't attack, make
sure they can't. All it takes is preventive treatment..
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