More than half the time we consider termites as pests. Considering the gargantuan damage they cause humanity every time, it is of no doubt that they will be considered as pests. Although, we are aware that they are vital in the entire ecological balance, we are still inclined to think that they do more damage and nuisance to us rather than being helpful of a species. But did you know that in some parts of the world, they have a different value system towards termites? Yes they do, and you will be surprised to know that they contribute a lot in the aesthetics of their food culture. Believe it or not, they are actually considered as delectable delicacy in a country.
In Africa, the queen termite (mother of a termite colony and usually relatively larger in size) is actually a crucial ingredient of a very popular delicacy. In layman, it is called the queen termite dish. And truthfully speaking, it is dubbed as quite a favorite delicacy in their place and it does have nutritional value. However, it's not something you would plan to eat for your entire life unless of course if it is in your culture not to consider such delicacy as exotic but rather native and common. But then of course, you would want to try out new exciting things every once in a while especially when it comes viands and dishes and this might just be the thing for you to try. It may be quite possible even that after you have tasted this African delicacy, you won't dare try it again, yet of course, that completely depends on your sense of taste as there are always some people who would find the relativity of the idea of what is delicious and what's not. You may be able improvise the dish to your preferences, but in the African way, the dish is as straightforward as it goes. Here are some guidelines on how to prepare this African termite dish just in case you find the heart to try it out.
Just a disclaimer though, the idea here is that the food is an exotic dish and it doesn't necessarily warrant a universal appreciation to anyone. Essentially the point here is for you to try it out by your own free will.
Instructions on How to Make Your Own Termite Dish:
1. The first step is actually the most difficult part of the process wherein you will have to harvest the queen termites from their colony. You have to make sure as well that you are able to identify a queen termite from the rest of the member of the colony. Another difficult part of this task is that you would really have to scour over a colony of termites, which could probably be comprised of hundreds of thousands of termites, in order to find their queen. If it helps though, here's a tip: Queen Termites are usually in the deepest chambers as a termite colony would instinctively place their queen on those areas to conceal and protect them from any foreign entity that might prey on it. You have to be aware as well the termite mounds or mud castles are also home to many of the world's most poisonous and venomous creatures such as snakes, and bugs and they could bite you off when you begin to place your hand inside the mound. It would be wise to seek professional assistance first or have them do the job for you. If possible, just make sure that they are already extracted from the mound and don't dare do things all by yourself. To some point, the mounds may even have to be destroyed first to extract the queen and most likely you may not be gauged up with that kind of challenge.
2. Ask for assistance from African villagers and make sure they have the necessary tools with them. Most likely, after you have gone through or at least witnessed the experience of taking down a termite hill, you may never ever think of doing the same thing again ever in your life. The entire experience may be quite revolting and therefore you must really prepare yourself for it, physically and mentally.
3. Oh, was it mentioned that they do fight back as well. Yes, they do fight back and they can be deadly serious about stopping you from destroying their home. And we're not talking about small fry termites that you see a lot in the wooden parts of your home but their might large termites than the ordinary ones. You may have to expect an entire horde of termites dashing towards you and chew on your flesh until you sore out from bleeding. Like what was said earlier, they are dead serious about keeping that colony intact.
4. Continue hacking and pounding through the mud/rock hill of termites until you reach the bottom of it. From there you will then find your pot of gold, a pulsing queen termite. You can identify her by noticing her big abdomen which is about the size of two fists put together (you can probably visualize now how big they are). Immediately take her out while her entire army is still at you.
5. After you have extracted their precious queen, go and cook right away on a pan of scalding oil and wait until it turns golden brown. By then you will know that the fruit of your labor is already good to eat. Of course you can always choose to eat this all by yourself granted that the villagers you employed to take the down the bug-a-bug hill won't turn sour and hack you as well for not sharing "your" fruit of labor. If you decided to share your blessings, you may have to prepare yourself of the eventual small amount of ration as the main dish would have to be minced into 20 different parts. Just think of it as a noteworthy experience that you won't dare experience all over again.
Termites: A Biology Article
Termites are perhaps one of the most numerous species of creatures on the planet. There are about over 500,000 species of them and most of them are left undiscovered just yet. Termites are actually pretty fascinating creatures, apart from the given fact that they can also be very destructive. If termites don't destroy human properties, then they might just be worth ever appreciation of every human being in the planet in the kind metamorphic evolution they go through. It's time that we take a closer look at termites and learn how to appreciate them. The question now is how do we do that? When every time we think about termites, all that ever pops into our head is the devastating outputs of termites once they start on their feeding spree? If you think about it, it is actually quite difficult to shift the paradigms of our minds into thinking that termites are actually great creatures. There's almost nothing to see that is good in them. We could almost condone their existence and find them pretty negligible. If nothing else comes good in their presence on earth, we could just practically wipe them off the planet and bring their species into extinction.
However, that's not necessarily so. Termites they may be, they also server a crucial role to our planetary balance. Their absence would prove to be fatal to the intermeshed web of life and the entire balance of every creature's existence. Imagine how many species of creatures on earth will be deprived of food source if we take out termites off the big picture. Then we would really have serious problems in our hands. It is worth the time to take a look at these amazing creatures so that once and for all we could learn to appreciate them. If we don't do it now, we might end up in the same scenario as predicted if we don't learn to give value or importance to such small creatures. Just because their destructive to our properties, doesn't necessarily mean their absolutely pests and that they do us no good at all.
It's about time we take a look at the biological backdrop of termites in the world and see through the salient points that is truly worth appreciating for when it comes to termites. You'll be surprised how much your perspectives have changed after you have read through this article and understood the very fascinating nature about termites.
The Biological Backdrop
Let us first talk about the most prominent species of termite in the planet and hope we could change our perception towards them by learning what they are and how their magnificent existence works. The Macrotermes bellicosus is the most widely distributed species of termites in the planet. They are also close relatives to the notorious subterranean Formosan termites which are usually the cause why we complain a lot about sudden property damages in our houses or any property. This species of termites are also among the largest of the termites species. They are quite large enough to become noticeably conspicuous. Termites do live in colonies. This one in particular, could actually have colony as large as hundreds of thousands in population and they could grow as much only within a span of few years. Probably 3-5 years of healthy thriving colony. These termites are also known for their other name "white ants" which is quite ironically, not true at all because of the obvious fact that they are termites and not ants. What's even more farfetched is that termites are not at all related to ants in any way possible.
Nests
Did you know that termites build nests? You may have only thought that birds are the only ones capable of building such a dwelling. However, termites do build nests as well. Well at least some species of termites are able to build nests and like birds, they also build their nests in wood materials. It's quite a wonder to imagine how termites could possibly relocate pieces of wood or twigs and construct them or assemble such that they will be to form a nest dwelling. And like birds, they also build their nests in trees and or sometimes in posts. The bellicosus species build their nests inside the ground, burrowed deep down underneath. Theoretically, they do this to prevent any harmful interference from their predators and careless humans. The nest is often constructed using sand and clay.
To answer your question as to how they are able to do it, it kind of works likes this: Worker termites would first go out in search of materials to be used in the building of the nests. Usually, the materials are sand, clay and some wood twigs, if ever there are any. They gather these materials by carrying them through their mouth. They would usually carry a mouthful of these materials back to the burrows they have created on the ground where they would build their nests. The sand and clay that they carry in their mouse would consequentially be moistened by their saliva. This would them make the materials sufficiently malleable during the process of moulding the materials into nest dwellings. Usually, the building activities for termites would be the busiest during the beginning of the wet seasons, wherein most of the materials are already wet and would naturally be easier to maneuver in order to build their nests.
All termites in the world would feed on cellulose materials or vegetations and this has been their primary source of diet ever since time immemorial. Their evolution perhaps has taken place a long time before since we have always known termites to eat wood materials. Some scientists have theorized that the ancestral termites or the first termites in the world didn't consume wood materials but only cellulose materials from plants that are relatively softer than wood. At some point, they have developed their diet on feeding on wood materials when the inclusion of the parasites within their system took place.
However, that's not necessarily so. Termites they may be, they also server a crucial role to our planetary balance. Their absence would prove to be fatal to the intermeshed web of life and the entire balance of every creature's existence. Imagine how many species of creatures on earth will be deprived of food source if we take out termites off the big picture. Then we would really have serious problems in our hands. It is worth the time to take a look at these amazing creatures so that once and for all we could learn to appreciate them. If we don't do it now, we might end up in the same scenario as predicted if we don't learn to give value or importance to such small creatures. Just because their destructive to our properties, doesn't necessarily mean their absolutely pests and that they do us no good at all.
It's about time we take a look at the biological backdrop of termites in the world and see through the salient points that is truly worth appreciating for when it comes to termites. You'll be surprised how much your perspectives have changed after you have read through this article and understood the very fascinating nature about termites.
The Biological Backdrop
Let us first talk about the most prominent species of termite in the planet and hope we could change our perception towards them by learning what they are and how their magnificent existence works. The Macrotermes bellicosus is the most widely distributed species of termites in the planet. They are also close relatives to the notorious subterranean Formosan termites which are usually the cause why we complain a lot about sudden property damages in our houses or any property. This species of termites are also among the largest of the termites species. They are quite large enough to become noticeably conspicuous. Termites do live in colonies. This one in particular, could actually have colony as large as hundreds of thousands in population and they could grow as much only within a span of few years. Probably 3-5 years of healthy thriving colony. These termites are also known for their other name "white ants" which is quite ironically, not true at all because of the obvious fact that they are termites and not ants. What's even more farfetched is that termites are not at all related to ants in any way possible.
Nests
Did you know that termites build nests? You may have only thought that birds are the only ones capable of building such a dwelling. However, termites do build nests as well. Well at least some species of termites are able to build nests and like birds, they also build their nests in wood materials. It's quite a wonder to imagine how termites could possibly relocate pieces of wood or twigs and construct them or assemble such that they will be to form a nest dwelling. And like birds, they also build their nests in trees and or sometimes in posts. The bellicosus species build their nests inside the ground, burrowed deep down underneath. Theoretically, they do this to prevent any harmful interference from their predators and careless humans. The nest is often constructed using sand and clay.
To answer your question as to how they are able to do it, it kind of works likes this: Worker termites would first go out in search of materials to be used in the building of the nests. Usually, the materials are sand, clay and some wood twigs, if ever there are any. They gather these materials by carrying them through their mouth. They would usually carry a mouthful of these materials back to the burrows they have created on the ground where they would build their nests. The sand and clay that they carry in their mouse would consequentially be moistened by their saliva. This would them make the materials sufficiently malleable during the process of moulding the materials into nest dwellings. Usually, the building activities for termites would be the busiest during the beginning of the wet seasons, wherein most of the materials are already wet and would naturally be easier to maneuver in order to build their nests.
All termites in the world would feed on cellulose materials or vegetations and this has been their primary source of diet ever since time immemorial. Their evolution perhaps has taken place a long time before since we have always known termites to eat wood materials. Some scientists have theorized that the ancestral termites or the first termites in the world didn't consume wood materials but only cellulose materials from plants that are relatively softer than wood. At some point, they have developed their diet on feeding on wood materials when the inclusion of the parasites within their system took place.
Subterranean Termites: Ecological Behavior Study
Subterranean Formosan termites are actually the major pest of any human structures throughout the globe. Contrary to what most people believe, not all termite species are capable of destroying households. There are those termite species that only dwell in rainforests and never anywhere near residential households. The only termite species that are known to destroy houses are the subterranean Formosan termites. They alone are the ones capable of destroying a house within a matter of one week in its strongest assault. Believe it or not, the destruction brought about these species of termites is so considerable that if monetarily converted would amount to as much as billions of dollars of damages per year worldwide. In the endeavors to control these termite species from destroying more human properties, certain control methods were employed, like massive chemical treatments to ensure the elimination of an entire colony infesting a house. Throughout the years, these kinds of treatments are known to be quite effective in dealing with problems, incurring only negligible setbacks, this method of termite control is indeed the most efficient one. However, reports regarding severe side-effects to human health were growing over the years in employing chemical-oriented treatments that it lead to the banning of certain products. It is of no surprise that many of the chemical treatments that were popularly used before are no long in circulation as of today. Still, there are others that smuggle the products and continue to do so in marketing and using them even with prior precedence of chemical intoxication detriments.
Because of this fact, the dawn of a new scientific challenge is at hand. The challenge now is to find more environmentally friendly treatments that are sure not to harm any human beings in any level and in any way, as well as the environment safe from any harmful after effects while still being able to treat and control infestations that take place in the house. But that in itself entails a greater challenge to the scientists as the quest doesn't only begin with synthesizing the new formula in itself, but it will also entail the considerable amount of research in an effort to understand first the natural habitation of the termites. It is imperative that there should be a full comprehension first about the termites, sense of living, natural habitats, common environments when in transition, reproduction, methods in dividing labor, foraging, social interactions, and of course, the environmental influences of the creatures. When there is full comprehension of this matter, the possibilities of developing a highly efficient and effective, environmentally friendly termite control methods will be just within reach. It will also open the opportunity of tripartite discussions regarding the pros and cons of certain approaches as well a full value assessment of efficacy. It will also serve as a way to highlight certain grey areas of the study and identifying certain aspects that are still in need of further research and or development. This article aims to enlighten not only specific readers but all.
Introduction
According to recent statistical findings, there is an estimated amount of 3 billion dollars of damages being incurred every year in wooden structures all over the United States with 80% of the total damage can be attributed to the subterranean termites. In Hawaii alone, a cost of 60 million dollars of property damage can be attributed to the Formosan termites. These figures only depict how economically significant termites are in the human economy. The previous application of the termite control methods were mostly failures because of the obvious lack of considerations to certain pertinent factors that crucially defines an effective means of dealing with the termites. Considerations like natural behaviors and habitation of these insects should be paid attention to in order to further improve the approaches in dealing with them. In the following years later, the trend has dramatically changed because of the reported side-effects of chemical treatments to human beings. This alone has been a crucial determinant for scientists to evolve their developing approaches of dealing with termite infestations in the US. Subsequently, the direction of the following researches is leading towards the development of biologically friendly and non toxic chemical treatment for termite control. The newer methods would include barriers variations, extreme temperature exposures, asphyxiant gases, other variations of biological control methods. All of the said fields are still in need of further development and research in their own respects. Another point of consideration for further researches is the consideration of the feasibility of colonial eradication in contrast to mere control methods alone, in context of the assumption that there will be much more considerable output if the approach is hinged solely on eradication alone rather than just controlling termites in entering human territories. However, it has been found out that the method of eradicating population is quite unfeasible under the context of using biological and non-toxic treatments in dealing with termites. Thus, further developments in counteracting termite infestations were unearthed, and more formulas, methods, techniques and strategies are being used to fully relinquish the destruction brought about the by the subterranean Formosan termites.
Under the subterranean Formosan termites is another genera of the species that still provide economical significance to humans. This genera is the Coptotermes and Reticulitermes. These species of termites are even considered economical equivalents to the general genera of termites. This species somehow originated in the Orient areas and were transported across the globe through infested wooden hulls and crates in ships. Now the rest of the world serves home to one of the most economically destructive creatures on earth. United States is also being infested by the same species and has economically suffered as well from the destruction they bring about. Statistically speaking, the catastrophe damage brought about by Formosan termites to human property, if accumulated would exceed the damage costs of any hurricane, earthquake, and fire damages combined. This is how damaging these species of termites can be and thus, the urgency of discovering newer and more effective methods are absolutely imperative.
Because of this fact, the dawn of a new scientific challenge is at hand. The challenge now is to find more environmentally friendly treatments that are sure not to harm any human beings in any level and in any way, as well as the environment safe from any harmful after effects while still being able to treat and control infestations that take place in the house. But that in itself entails a greater challenge to the scientists as the quest doesn't only begin with synthesizing the new formula in itself, but it will also entail the considerable amount of research in an effort to understand first the natural habitation of the termites. It is imperative that there should be a full comprehension first about the termites, sense of living, natural habitats, common environments when in transition, reproduction, methods in dividing labor, foraging, social interactions, and of course, the environmental influences of the creatures. When there is full comprehension of this matter, the possibilities of developing a highly efficient and effective, environmentally friendly termite control methods will be just within reach. It will also open the opportunity of tripartite discussions regarding the pros and cons of certain approaches as well a full value assessment of efficacy. It will also serve as a way to highlight certain grey areas of the study and identifying certain aspects that are still in need of further research and or development. This article aims to enlighten not only specific readers but all.
Introduction
According to recent statistical findings, there is an estimated amount of 3 billion dollars of damages being incurred every year in wooden structures all over the United States with 80% of the total damage can be attributed to the subterranean termites. In Hawaii alone, a cost of 60 million dollars of property damage can be attributed to the Formosan termites. These figures only depict how economically significant termites are in the human economy. The previous application of the termite control methods were mostly failures because of the obvious lack of considerations to certain pertinent factors that crucially defines an effective means of dealing with the termites. Considerations like natural behaviors and habitation of these insects should be paid attention to in order to further improve the approaches in dealing with them. In the following years later, the trend has dramatically changed because of the reported side-effects of chemical treatments to human beings. This alone has been a crucial determinant for scientists to evolve their developing approaches of dealing with termite infestations in the US. Subsequently, the direction of the following researches is leading towards the development of biologically friendly and non toxic chemical treatment for termite control. The newer methods would include barriers variations, extreme temperature exposures, asphyxiant gases, other variations of biological control methods. All of the said fields are still in need of further development and research in their own respects. Another point of consideration for further researches is the consideration of the feasibility of colonial eradication in contrast to mere control methods alone, in context of the assumption that there will be much more considerable output if the approach is hinged solely on eradication alone rather than just controlling termites in entering human territories. However, it has been found out that the method of eradicating population is quite unfeasible under the context of using biological and non-toxic treatments in dealing with termites. Thus, further developments in counteracting termite infestations were unearthed, and more formulas, methods, techniques and strategies are being used to fully relinquish the destruction brought about the by the subterranean Formosan termites.
Under the subterranean Formosan termites is another genera of the species that still provide economical significance to humans. This genera is the Coptotermes and Reticulitermes. These species of termites are even considered economical equivalents to the general genera of termites. This species somehow originated in the Orient areas and were transported across the globe through infested wooden hulls and crates in ships. Now the rest of the world serves home to one of the most economically destructive creatures on earth. United States is also being infested by the same species and has economically suffered as well from the destruction they bring about. Statistically speaking, the catastrophe damage brought about by Formosan termites to human property, if accumulated would exceed the damage costs of any hurricane, earthquake, and fire damages combined. This is how damaging these species of termites can be and thus, the urgency of discovering newer and more effective methods are absolutely imperative.
The Positive Aspects of Termites
Making it a Point to Save Termite Race
Every time you see termites around in your house doesn't always necessary mean imminent ultimate destruction. There are other few positive things to it. You just have to creatively work your mind in deducing what are those things that make termites positive in households. One way to do that is to know that since termites feed on wood, if there are any scrap woods in the house, you might as well feed it to them. Just still make sure though that the termites are just around the house and not "inside" the house. Otherwise, it wouldn't be scrap food that they will be feeding on but your entire household. In order to somehow domesticate termites, you have to make sure that they are just nearby. Probably around your crop areas if you happen to have one.
Another advantage of having termites is that they do a lot in cultivating and nourishing the soil such that it will become highly susceptible for crop and vegetation. Termites aerate the soil causing an easy flow of oxygen right in to the vegetations' roots. Termites also make sure that organic materials that lay on the ground, i.e. animal corpse, wood parcels, withered leaves, etc. are easily degraded. Once they are broken down, they will in become minerals in the soil and of course, nourishment to your plants. That's truly better off than leaving animal corpse to rot and stink around your house or leave pile of wood logs around which will eventually become home to serpents and other poisonous bugs. That's truly not a good thing by then.
You see, there are actually a lot of invaluable contributions that termites do to us humans and to the entire ecological system than we readily know. Had we taken the time to research about them, we would have known these advantages and would have probably made a good use of them. Since only a few people know about their advantages, only people have truly benefited from them and at the same time became true friends with termites, while the rest of us, continue on killing and destroying the apparently vermin of the house. There is actually a clear and present danger when it comes to indifferently and nonchalantly destroying termite colonies.
Of course there is an indubitable immediate need to get rid of them when they are inside, but it's absolutely a different story if they are just outside, living peacefully in their colonies and far from the possibility of ever invading your home. If they are just sitting there and if you know that your house is very well treated with anti-termite treatments, you don't really have to go the extra mile of delivering Armageddon to the poor peacefully living termites. You have to be kind to them instead and probably even make use of them like what was mentioned earlier in this article. That way, it is a win-win situation for the both of you, where you and the termites have benefited from each other.
Why Preserve Termites
There are two major things actually why a person shouldn't just go on killing termite colonies and becoming trigger happy about it. One major reason it would destroy the natural order of things, relative to the role of termites in the ecosystem. Second is that the cultivation of a trigger happy attitude will possibly result to the destruction of their species to the brink of extinction. Either of the two things is not good at all. If the termites are eliminated in the system, who knows what sort of disaster will befall upon us when the imbalance will take place.
There are also other minor reasons why one should preserve termites and one of the reasons is because of their advantages to vegetation soil. If you miss that opportunity to use them, you may not be able to benefit from their incentives at all and it would be a sad loss on your part. Another reason is not doing what you really don't have to do. Not only do you exert a wasteful amount of effort, you also strike havoc to peacefully living creatures. God wouldn't want you to do that kind of stuff. Really!
The Amazing Termites
Despite from the fact that they do well in properly cultivating vegetation soils, there are also other things that you should be amazed of when it comes to talking about termites. One of those things that you should be amazed is the fact on how they strive in existence and how they naturally behave in their society.
Yes believe it or not, a termite colony is actually formally called a society. The reason why scientists have considered termite groups as society is because of their behaviors in accordance to their group. Termites infallibly conform to their roles which make them a highly stratified, systematic and organized being, thus making a highly uniformed society. Termites are by far considered eusocial creatures, along with ants, bees, and wasps which all exhibit a very similar organization behavior with termites. Eusocial creatures are actually higher creatures of the entire animal species strata in terms of organization and system. In fact, termites come in first than humans in terms of harmoniously living with each other in a group or society. Human beings really have to learn a thing or two with termites on how to properly organize societies and communities.
Another very amazing termite fact is that despite the common understanding of people to them as destructive creatures, in the contrary, when they are in their natural habitat, they are actually highly constructive creatures. Ironic it may seem but termites are very efficient and effective engineers of their own mound; using only saliva and other bodily liquids, they can create an entire city inside their mound, fully equipped with very specific tunnels and passages that lead to designated areas. A passage would lead to the queen for the reproduction purposes of the colony; another would lead right back into the tunnels of colony construction, while other passage would lead to their food resources.
Every time you see termites around in your house doesn't always necessary mean imminent ultimate destruction. There are other few positive things to it. You just have to creatively work your mind in deducing what are those things that make termites positive in households. One way to do that is to know that since termites feed on wood, if there are any scrap woods in the house, you might as well feed it to them. Just still make sure though that the termites are just around the house and not "inside" the house. Otherwise, it wouldn't be scrap food that they will be feeding on but your entire household. In order to somehow domesticate termites, you have to make sure that they are just nearby. Probably around your crop areas if you happen to have one.
Another advantage of having termites is that they do a lot in cultivating and nourishing the soil such that it will become highly susceptible for crop and vegetation. Termites aerate the soil causing an easy flow of oxygen right in to the vegetations' roots. Termites also make sure that organic materials that lay on the ground, i.e. animal corpse, wood parcels, withered leaves, etc. are easily degraded. Once they are broken down, they will in become minerals in the soil and of course, nourishment to your plants. That's truly better off than leaving animal corpse to rot and stink around your house or leave pile of wood logs around which will eventually become home to serpents and other poisonous bugs. That's truly not a good thing by then.
You see, there are actually a lot of invaluable contributions that termites do to us humans and to the entire ecological system than we readily know. Had we taken the time to research about them, we would have known these advantages and would have probably made a good use of them. Since only a few people know about their advantages, only people have truly benefited from them and at the same time became true friends with termites, while the rest of us, continue on killing and destroying the apparently vermin of the house. There is actually a clear and present danger when it comes to indifferently and nonchalantly destroying termite colonies.
Of course there is an indubitable immediate need to get rid of them when they are inside, but it's absolutely a different story if they are just outside, living peacefully in their colonies and far from the possibility of ever invading your home. If they are just sitting there and if you know that your house is very well treated with anti-termite treatments, you don't really have to go the extra mile of delivering Armageddon to the poor peacefully living termites. You have to be kind to them instead and probably even make use of them like what was mentioned earlier in this article. That way, it is a win-win situation for the both of you, where you and the termites have benefited from each other.
Why Preserve Termites
There are two major things actually why a person shouldn't just go on killing termite colonies and becoming trigger happy about it. One major reason it would destroy the natural order of things, relative to the role of termites in the ecosystem. Second is that the cultivation of a trigger happy attitude will possibly result to the destruction of their species to the brink of extinction. Either of the two things is not good at all. If the termites are eliminated in the system, who knows what sort of disaster will befall upon us when the imbalance will take place.
There are also other minor reasons why one should preserve termites and one of the reasons is because of their advantages to vegetation soil. If you miss that opportunity to use them, you may not be able to benefit from their incentives at all and it would be a sad loss on your part. Another reason is not doing what you really don't have to do. Not only do you exert a wasteful amount of effort, you also strike havoc to peacefully living creatures. God wouldn't want you to do that kind of stuff. Really!
The Amazing Termites
Despite from the fact that they do well in properly cultivating vegetation soils, there are also other things that you should be amazed of when it comes to talking about termites. One of those things that you should be amazed is the fact on how they strive in existence and how they naturally behave in their society.
Yes believe it or not, a termite colony is actually formally called a society. The reason why scientists have considered termite groups as society is because of their behaviors in accordance to their group. Termites infallibly conform to their roles which make them a highly stratified, systematic and organized being, thus making a highly uniformed society. Termites are by far considered eusocial creatures, along with ants, bees, and wasps which all exhibit a very similar organization behavior with termites. Eusocial creatures are actually higher creatures of the entire animal species strata in terms of organization and system. In fact, termites come in first than humans in terms of harmoniously living with each other in a group or society. Human beings really have to learn a thing or two with termites on how to properly organize societies and communities.
Another very amazing termite fact is that despite the common understanding of people to them as destructive creatures, in the contrary, when they are in their natural habitat, they are actually highly constructive creatures. Ironic it may seem but termites are very efficient and effective engineers of their own mound; using only saliva and other bodily liquids, they can create an entire city inside their mound, fully equipped with very specific tunnels and passages that lead to designated areas. A passage would lead to the queen for the reproduction purposes of the colony; another would lead right back into the tunnels of colony construction, while other passage would lead to their food resources.
Two-Faced Termites
Termites are two faced creatures on earth. They can be both constructive and destructive at the same time. But they can be more of the other characteristic depending on the given situation or location. But one thing is for certain about termites are that they are indeed endowed with superior survival instincts that have enabled them to live all throughout time. Termites have existed long before the dinosaurs have lived and up to until their species have remained strong, even stronger to the extent that they have virtually outnumbered humans to a thousand to one. Imagine this: The combined weight of all the termites in the world will exceed the combined weights of all the human beings in the world. This is how great their numbers and how overpowering they have become over humans. There are even some cultures in this world to address termite existence with reverence acknowledging them as superior creatures among all the other creatures on earth. Come to think about it, if the entire termite race would take drastic measures to overpower humans, they could very well do so and we'll be swarmed with termites to our deaths. A termite colony alone can destroy a household within only a span of one week, how much more if there will be more than just one colony that will attack? Imagine the entire termite colonies in the world staging an attack to human race. The plague and famine we will have to undergo is just unconscionable.
However, that theory is still highly fictitious and until that time it becomes reality, humans are still the most superior beings on earth and termites are just one of our bug subordinates. Still we have to keep them checked in order ensure the safety of our own household. As we all very well know, they are quite harbingers of destruction and havoc to any residential household. There is still more reason for us to be careful in the presence of termites and when they infest.
Nevertheless, when we talk about termites, there should be two sides we should take into consideration of since there are two sides to a termite’s existence as what was mentioned at the first part. Let us first discuss the negative side of termites in this world and how they detrimentally affect human beings in the process.
Negative Side
Well, this part is a no brainer to us since we all already know how destructive termites can be. But for the sake of a thorough discussion and comprehensive understanding to the nature of termites, it is best that we talk about their negative impact to human habitation and society.
The negative side to termites is that they destroy a lot of things especially if there's a lot of wood in it. Since termites feed mainly on wood, they would naturally devour anything that has wood. Say for example your house. The house in itself contains enough wood to sustain an entire termite colony. That’s why termite infestations could always occur within a residential household.
The property damage that a termite infestation could incur could be quite unimaginable and considerable. If you happen to have mansion for a home, then you might just lose a lot of monetary investments over a termite infestation.
At sometimes, they don't only devour commercial residential households; they also destroy natural habitats like trees and consequentially forests. A massive termite habitation within a forest area could eventually devour the entire place until there's nothing left. You must consider as well that termites don't only feed on wood but as well as many organic materials such as soft parts of plants which are prevalent in forests. This is how damaging termites can get.
According to statistics, the quantitative amount of damage that termites cause every year is greater than all the earthquake, storm, and fire damages combined. Every year, termites incur millions of dollars in losses that if summed all up could potentially be a considerable amount enough to defray a huge portion of national debts.
As of today, there are many innovative ways that are used to deal with termite infestations efficiently; to ensure that every household is safeguarded from any potential termite attacks and to prevent the possible losses to be incurred. It is greatly imperative to use preventative measures like wood treatments before the house is constructed and established. This way, termites will no longer be enabled to penetrate the premises of the household for a very long time. However, treatments will expire and eventually and you would have to renew them. Make it a point to assess the treatment's efficacy after some time since the initial treatment to know whether you would have to apply treatment again or not.
Positive Side
No matter how destructive termites can be, they also have positive sides in them. It's just that we are not normally acquainted with it. However, if we take a closer look at termites, we will uncover as well as unravel the wonders of termite existence. Termites are actually amazing creatures.
Termites are actually highly constructive creatures even if they do destroy tons of wood every time. In terms of building their community they are very amazing constructors. They can build mounds that can reach as much 6 meters high from the ground. And the height isn't the only thing amazing in the termites' mound; the interiors can also be quite an eye-candy to a truly appreciating eye. The passages and tunnels within termite mounds are highly designated that each entry would lead to chambers of particular purpose to a termite colony. And to think that they're only made out of their own saliva. Termites are just simply amazing.
According to recent researches as well, termites are send to be sources of organic biological fuels. Their guts are said to produce compounds that can be used as renewable fuel resource.
The most amazing part with termites is the fact that they are highly organized. They are termed as eusocial creatures of their highly systematic structured system that even surpasses humans.
However, that theory is still highly fictitious and until that time it becomes reality, humans are still the most superior beings on earth and termites are just one of our bug subordinates. Still we have to keep them checked in order ensure the safety of our own household. As we all very well know, they are quite harbingers of destruction and havoc to any residential household. There is still more reason for us to be careful in the presence of termites and when they infest.
Nevertheless, when we talk about termites, there should be two sides we should take into consideration of since there are two sides to a termite’s existence as what was mentioned at the first part. Let us first discuss the negative side of termites in this world and how they detrimentally affect human beings in the process.
Negative Side
Well, this part is a no brainer to us since we all already know how destructive termites can be. But for the sake of a thorough discussion and comprehensive understanding to the nature of termites, it is best that we talk about their negative impact to human habitation and society.
The negative side to termites is that they destroy a lot of things especially if there's a lot of wood in it. Since termites feed mainly on wood, they would naturally devour anything that has wood. Say for example your house. The house in itself contains enough wood to sustain an entire termite colony. That’s why termite infestations could always occur within a residential household.
The property damage that a termite infestation could incur could be quite unimaginable and considerable. If you happen to have mansion for a home, then you might just lose a lot of monetary investments over a termite infestation.
At sometimes, they don't only devour commercial residential households; they also destroy natural habitats like trees and consequentially forests. A massive termite habitation within a forest area could eventually devour the entire place until there's nothing left. You must consider as well that termites don't only feed on wood but as well as many organic materials such as soft parts of plants which are prevalent in forests. This is how damaging termites can get.
According to statistics, the quantitative amount of damage that termites cause every year is greater than all the earthquake, storm, and fire damages combined. Every year, termites incur millions of dollars in losses that if summed all up could potentially be a considerable amount enough to defray a huge portion of national debts.
As of today, there are many innovative ways that are used to deal with termite infestations efficiently; to ensure that every household is safeguarded from any potential termite attacks and to prevent the possible losses to be incurred. It is greatly imperative to use preventative measures like wood treatments before the house is constructed and established. This way, termites will no longer be enabled to penetrate the premises of the household for a very long time. However, treatments will expire and eventually and you would have to renew them. Make it a point to assess the treatment's efficacy after some time since the initial treatment to know whether you would have to apply treatment again or not.
Positive Side
No matter how destructive termites can be, they also have positive sides in them. It's just that we are not normally acquainted with it. However, if we take a closer look at termites, we will uncover as well as unravel the wonders of termite existence. Termites are actually amazing creatures.
Termites are actually highly constructive creatures even if they do destroy tons of wood every time. In terms of building their community they are very amazing constructors. They can build mounds that can reach as much 6 meters high from the ground. And the height isn't the only thing amazing in the termites' mound; the interiors can also be quite an eye-candy to a truly appreciating eye. The passages and tunnels within termite mounds are highly designated that each entry would lead to chambers of particular purpose to a termite colony. And to think that they're only made out of their own saliva. Termites are just simply amazing.
According to recent researches as well, termites are send to be sources of organic biological fuels. Their guts are said to produce compounds that can be used as renewable fuel resource.
The most amazing part with termites is the fact that they are highly organized. They are termed as eusocial creatures of their highly systematic structured system that even surpasses humans.
Termite Statistics
Accurate and up-to-date data on termite behavior, control products and property damages is vital to the industry that provides services and manufactures goods for termite control. The industry works hand in hand with entomologists that specialize on termites in order to produce the best services and products available. These data are often presented through statistics that embody the facts and figures gathered through a series of laboratory and field experiments. This article will talk about these statistics in order to help those who suffer from termite infestation problems understand their situation better.
Statistics on the Damages Caused by Termites
Damages to Residences and Business Establishments
Although termites are supposed to be harmless creatures to humans, the "accidental" crossing for its road to human civilization has resulted to the destruction of a lot of properties. Statistically speaking, termites damage about 600 thousand US homes each year. Multiply that to just ten year and you get a shocking 1 000 000 homes already! It is worth noting too that termites have already been causing property damage for so long that in some countries (like in Australia), termite infestation problems are considered to be as old as their civilization. Imagine that amount of damage.
Because of the vastness of the damage that termites cause, roughly $5B is spent for termite eradication and control on a yearly basis in the USA. This much money is enough to feed the marginalized sectors of Africa for almost a decade! However, because of the termite infestation problems, this money is spent on termite repellent products, termite control services and repair of properties being damaged by termites. Moreover, according to the statistics released by the USDA or the US Department of Agriculture, about $1B to $2B is spent on repairs alone.
Damage to Farms
Termite problems are more prevalent in farms and other agricultural lands. Even though termites feed on dead plants for cellulose, when this food source become scarce, termites will begin to feed on living plants and in the case of farm lands, these are the crops that they grow. Termite control in farms is more expensive because two factors: (1) the area to monitor is very vast and (2) chemical control in difficult to use because crops also respond negatively to some chemicals. According to the USDA, about $30B is spent on termite control and eradication in farmlands throughout the country.
Statistics on the Different Termite Treatments and Control Products
Termites indirectly damage nature and compromise human health too. Apart from the actual and immediate damage that they can cause to properties, because of their presence, humans are forced to use toxic chemicals throughout their properties just so they can be eradicated.
These chemicals can greatly compromised human health and at the same time destroy the ecology of nature. Approximately 2 million US residences are subjected to termite treatments that make use of chemicals yearly. Most of these usages happen before the construction of the house or the building.
Termite control companies or contractors treat the very soil that will become the foundation of the house (this method is known as repelling because by treating the soil, you make it unattractive to termites thus "repelling" them from coming any closer). The alarming fact about this process is that the house or building being constructed will be literally sitting on a "toxic waste land". Many problems have risen because of this practice (see my article on the banned termiticide called Chlordane), but people are forced to do it still in order to avoid future damages caused by termite attacks.
On Treatment Costs
It should be noted that termite treatments vary from each other depending on the type of treatment used, the area that is to be treated, the materials used in the construction of the property and of course, the reputation of the company rendering the service.
The "reputation" factor is a tricky thing. It can be compared to how certain consumer electronic gadgets are priced: Apple, Sony, LG, Samsung, etc. The price of the product is greatly affected by the reputation of the company because in the world of services and manufacturing of goods, companies often gain good reputation after years of establishing the quality of service or products that they can provide. The same is true with termite control.
Reputable companies would definitely advertise about their advanced equipments and well-trained personnel. These things affect the pricing of the treatment so much. However, it does not mean that the other not-so-popular companies cannot compete with the quality of service that the high-end companies can provide. But statistically speaking, it was found out that these popular companies offer get the greater bulk of the market.
The type of treatment and the kind of termiticide used are also key elements in the pricing system of the services. For example, common termiticide products that have already gained the approval of the public will most likely be more patronize. Termidor, a very popular US termiticide brand proves this assertion. According to statistics, this termiticide is applied to about 3.75 million residences in the United States since the day that it was released in the market.
On Termite Inspection Costs
The statistics related to the cash spent on termites are not only limited to the damage and the actual treatment used, termite inspection also share a good amount of income for the termite control industry. This is because not all homes might be really infested by termites, but all homeowner's are most likely anxious about having termites in their houses. So, these homeowners tend to hire inspectors (who they pay) just to see if their homes are termites free. This adds up to the entire income that the termite control business gets. In short, the fear of a possible termite infestation is also making money apart from actual presence of termites.
According to statistics, only 3 of 5 houses inspected for termites need professional treatment. This means that 2 homeowners pay for termite inspection although they do not necessarily have to. Overall, this is the main reason why termite control companies offer termite inspection services apart from their actual termite extermination service.
Wishing you a termite infestation free summer in 2011,
Your favorite exterminator,
Michael Rozatoru :)
Statistics on the Damages Caused by Termites
Damages to Residences and Business Establishments
Although termites are supposed to be harmless creatures to humans, the "accidental" crossing for its road to human civilization has resulted to the destruction of a lot of properties. Statistically speaking, termites damage about 600 thousand US homes each year. Multiply that to just ten year and you get a shocking 1 000 000 homes already! It is worth noting too that termites have already been causing property damage for so long that in some countries (like in Australia), termite infestation problems are considered to be as old as their civilization. Imagine that amount of damage.
Because of the vastness of the damage that termites cause, roughly $5B is spent for termite eradication and control on a yearly basis in the USA. This much money is enough to feed the marginalized sectors of Africa for almost a decade! However, because of the termite infestation problems, this money is spent on termite repellent products, termite control services and repair of properties being damaged by termites. Moreover, according to the statistics released by the USDA or the US Department of Agriculture, about $1B to $2B is spent on repairs alone.
Damage to Farms
Termite problems are more prevalent in farms and other agricultural lands. Even though termites feed on dead plants for cellulose, when this food source become scarce, termites will begin to feed on living plants and in the case of farm lands, these are the crops that they grow. Termite control in farms is more expensive because two factors: (1) the area to monitor is very vast and (2) chemical control in difficult to use because crops also respond negatively to some chemicals. According to the USDA, about $30B is spent on termite control and eradication in farmlands throughout the country.
Statistics on the Different Termite Treatments and Control Products
Termites indirectly damage nature and compromise human health too. Apart from the actual and immediate damage that they can cause to properties, because of their presence, humans are forced to use toxic chemicals throughout their properties just so they can be eradicated.
These chemicals can greatly compromised human health and at the same time destroy the ecology of nature. Approximately 2 million US residences are subjected to termite treatments that make use of chemicals yearly. Most of these usages happen before the construction of the house or the building.
Termite control companies or contractors treat the very soil that will become the foundation of the house (this method is known as repelling because by treating the soil, you make it unattractive to termites thus "repelling" them from coming any closer). The alarming fact about this process is that the house or building being constructed will be literally sitting on a "toxic waste land". Many problems have risen because of this practice (see my article on the banned termiticide called Chlordane), but people are forced to do it still in order to avoid future damages caused by termite attacks.
On Treatment Costs
It should be noted that termite treatments vary from each other depending on the type of treatment used, the area that is to be treated, the materials used in the construction of the property and of course, the reputation of the company rendering the service.
The "reputation" factor is a tricky thing. It can be compared to how certain consumer electronic gadgets are priced: Apple, Sony, LG, Samsung, etc. The price of the product is greatly affected by the reputation of the company because in the world of services and manufacturing of goods, companies often gain good reputation after years of establishing the quality of service or products that they can provide. The same is true with termite control.
Reputable companies would definitely advertise about their advanced equipments and well-trained personnel. These things affect the pricing of the treatment so much. However, it does not mean that the other not-so-popular companies cannot compete with the quality of service that the high-end companies can provide. But statistically speaking, it was found out that these popular companies offer get the greater bulk of the market.
The type of treatment and the kind of termiticide used are also key elements in the pricing system of the services. For example, common termiticide products that have already gained the approval of the public will most likely be more patronize. Termidor, a very popular US termiticide brand proves this assertion. According to statistics, this termiticide is applied to about 3.75 million residences in the United States since the day that it was released in the market.
On Termite Inspection Costs
The statistics related to the cash spent on termites are not only limited to the damage and the actual treatment used, termite inspection also share a good amount of income for the termite control industry. This is because not all homes might be really infested by termites, but all homeowner's are most likely anxious about having termites in their houses. So, these homeowners tend to hire inspectors (who they pay) just to see if their homes are termites free. This adds up to the entire income that the termite control business gets. In short, the fear of a possible termite infestation is also making money apart from actual presence of termites.
According to statistics, only 3 of 5 houses inspected for termites need professional treatment. This means that 2 homeowners pay for termite inspection although they do not necessarily have to. Overall, this is the main reason why termite control companies offer termite inspection services apart from their actual termite extermination service.
Wishing you a termite infestation free summer in 2011,
Your favorite exterminator,
Michael Rozatoru :)
Treatment Options for Termite Control
Both subterranean and dry-wood termites are extremely destructive. Waiting for these pests to leave your home is just a waste of time. There is only one reason for a termite to leave the colony; to create a new one.
To deal with these pests, consider the following suggestive measures as treatment. Commonly these measures include Fumigation of Structures, Introduction of heat, Direct Chemical Treatment, Electronic Induction Method.
Termite treatment tips before going further
The mating and pairing of Alates as king and queen is just the beginning of future infestation. To prevent further infestation problems do these simple preventive measures:
Fumigation of Structures
This method is mostly preferred because most infestations occur unnoticeable and hidden especially when termites build more than one nest and created large colonies in your house. Even if you find it difficult to locate the termite nest, structural fumigation is very effective.
The process of fumigation includes the envelopment of your home with a tent followed by the introduction of a fumigant containing an active ingredient like sulfuric fluoride. In a form of gas, fumigant reaches even the most inaccessible part and smallest crevices of the house that termite might be nesting.
Other known fumigant is the methyl bromide but banned nowadays because studies shows that it contributes ozone depletion. Sulfuric Fluoride becomes now the primary gas fumigant for dry-wood termites in the United States.
Here are known sample of fumigant brands containing Sulfuric Fluoride with approval for residential use; Master Fume by Target in 2009, Zythor was introduce in the market in 2005 by Ensystex II and Vikane of Dow AgroSciences since 1961. On the other hand, food facilities, commodities and mills use other fumigant with sulfuric fluoride content under the brand of ProFume from Dow AgroSciences also.
The innermost part and the inaccessible portions of the house serve as possible escape route for the termites. In this case, fumigants proved to be very effective because fumigant in a form of gas will be evenly disperse to reach and penetrate even the most tightly concealed crevices that are possible nesting place of termites.
The gas when inhaled by the termite break down in a form of fluoride and sulfate that disrupts the metabolism of termites causing death. Normally its takes about three days before all of the termites will die and it's not alarming to see living termites after fumigation.
The Sulfuric fluoride as a termite fumigant is nonflammable and will penetrate your walls and reach the termites within. Once the tent is removed, the fumigant disperses rapidly and leaves no residue therefore it doesn't damage household electronic devices.
With considerable drawbacks, sulfuric fluoride at high temperature decomposes rapidly forming a corrosive acid. But not to worry about that because professional fumigant handlers knows it very well and ensures that all your heating devices and sources are turn off before the fumigation process begins.
Introduction of heat as Treatment for Termites
The process is almost the same as gas fumigation; the house will be covered with tent but instead of using fumigant, the introduction of propane heaters will be used. By doing so, expert will blow hot air at considerable temperature reaching up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Termites have no ability to control its body temperature which is suitable only to moderate temperature. Definitely termite cannot survive the sudden change of extreme temperature killing its eggs and the termite itself. But similar to fumigation, the process leaves no residual protection which protects your home against future and new termite attacks. Both treatments are meant to control present and active infestation of termites.
Direct chemical treatment
This is to ensure that your structure will be more resistant to any termite attacks by applying chemicals directly to the wooden fixture or by simply putting chemicals on ground that will serve as a barrier. Chemical treatment will be costly due to the chemical compounds and large quantity being used.
The chemical barriers will be applied around the house to prevent termites from entering the protected vicinity while direct application of chemical on woods discourages the termite attack on the poisoned wood.
Direct chemical treatment on the other hand is not that costly if available resources will be utilized. For example, used engine oil from our cars and motorcycles can be used instead of buying factory made chemicals. This used-oil is after all a waste but in the process, we are helping nature by recycling.
Just apply the used-oil directly on the wooden surfaces like your fences and other wooden fixtures. The oil will penetrate the wood and in this way preserving it. The three benefits of using used-oil for wood treatment are the following:
Electronic Induction Method
Electronic Induction is limited when termite controlling is involved. Experts must administer the electronic treatment correctly and identify accurately the exact location of termite nest for the reason that electromagnetic and electrical energy poses limited reach.
The use of handheld electronic devices and powerful electromagnets will be administered accordingly. Magnetic interference disrupts the termites' correct identification of earth's magnetic fields that causes confusion of direction causing the termite to leave the specific area with disturbed magnetic fields. This method can only be effective if the nest is identified correctly and visible.
Placing electronic magnets exactly on the nest will force the termite to abandon the specific area and prevent further building of new mounds.
Termite treatment tips before going further
The mating and pairing of Alates as king and queen is just the beginning of future infestation. To prevent further infestation problems do these simple preventive measures:
Michael Rozatoru :)
To deal with these pests, consider the following suggestive measures as treatment. Commonly these measures include Fumigation of Structures, Introduction of heat, Direct Chemical Treatment, Electronic Induction Method.
Termite treatment tips before going further
The mating and pairing of Alates as king and queen is just the beginning of future infestation. To prevent further infestation problems do these simple preventive measures:
- Find those cracks and open crevices in your homes and seal it.
- When your paint bubbles and begins to peel off, repaint and add new paint coats.
- Use screens for your foundation vents and even on your attic.
- Clean any suitable food materials for termites away from your home like dead trees, rotten lumber or firewood.
Fumigation of Structures
This method is mostly preferred because most infestations occur unnoticeable and hidden especially when termites build more than one nest and created large colonies in your house. Even if you find it difficult to locate the termite nest, structural fumigation is very effective.
The process of fumigation includes the envelopment of your home with a tent followed by the introduction of a fumigant containing an active ingredient like sulfuric fluoride. In a form of gas, fumigant reaches even the most inaccessible part and smallest crevices of the house that termite might be nesting.
Other known fumigant is the methyl bromide but banned nowadays because studies shows that it contributes ozone depletion. Sulfuric Fluoride becomes now the primary gas fumigant for dry-wood termites in the United States.
Here are known sample of fumigant brands containing Sulfuric Fluoride with approval for residential use; Master Fume by Target in 2009, Zythor was introduce in the market in 2005 by Ensystex II and Vikane of Dow AgroSciences since 1961. On the other hand, food facilities, commodities and mills use other fumigant with sulfuric fluoride content under the brand of ProFume from Dow AgroSciences also.
The innermost part and the inaccessible portions of the house serve as possible escape route for the termites. In this case, fumigants proved to be very effective because fumigant in a form of gas will be evenly disperse to reach and penetrate even the most tightly concealed crevices that are possible nesting place of termites.
The gas when inhaled by the termite break down in a form of fluoride and sulfate that disrupts the metabolism of termites causing death. Normally its takes about three days before all of the termites will die and it's not alarming to see living termites after fumigation.
The Sulfuric fluoride as a termite fumigant is nonflammable and will penetrate your walls and reach the termites within. Once the tent is removed, the fumigant disperses rapidly and leaves no residue therefore it doesn't damage household electronic devices.
With considerable drawbacks, sulfuric fluoride at high temperature decomposes rapidly forming a corrosive acid. But not to worry about that because professional fumigant handlers knows it very well and ensures that all your heating devices and sources are turn off before the fumigation process begins.
Introduction of heat as Treatment for Termites
The process is almost the same as gas fumigation; the house will be covered with tent but instead of using fumigant, the introduction of propane heaters will be used. By doing so, expert will blow hot air at considerable temperature reaching up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Termites have no ability to control its body temperature which is suitable only to moderate temperature. Definitely termite cannot survive the sudden change of extreme temperature killing its eggs and the termite itself. But similar to fumigation, the process leaves no residual protection which protects your home against future and new termite attacks. Both treatments are meant to control present and active infestation of termites.
Direct chemical treatment
This is to ensure that your structure will be more resistant to any termite attacks by applying chemicals directly to the wooden fixture or by simply putting chemicals on ground that will serve as a barrier. Chemical treatment will be costly due to the chemical compounds and large quantity being used.
The chemical barriers will be applied around the house to prevent termites from entering the protected vicinity while direct application of chemical on woods discourages the termite attack on the poisoned wood.
Direct chemical treatment on the other hand is not that costly if available resources will be utilized. For example, used engine oil from our cars and motorcycles can be used instead of buying factory made chemicals. This used-oil is after all a waste but in the process, we are helping nature by recycling.
Just apply the used-oil directly on the wooden surfaces like your fences and other wooden fixtures. The oil will penetrate the wood and in this way preserving it. The three benefits of using used-oil for wood treatment are the following:
- Color of wooden fixtures and surfaces applied with used-oil will be preserved and gives it a darker tone effect creating an impression of a hard wood quality.
- Used-oil treated woods will be more water resistant due to its oily properties protecting wood from possible weakening and breakage.
- Recycling of used-oil is not just cost-effective but also a nature-friendly attitude.
Electronic Induction Method
Electronic Induction is limited when termite controlling is involved. Experts must administer the electronic treatment correctly and identify accurately the exact location of termite nest for the reason that electromagnetic and electrical energy poses limited reach.
The use of handheld electronic devices and powerful electromagnets will be administered accordingly. Magnetic interference disrupts the termites' correct identification of earth's magnetic fields that causes confusion of direction causing the termite to leave the specific area with disturbed magnetic fields. This method can only be effective if the nest is identified correctly and visible.
Placing electronic magnets exactly on the nest will force the termite to abandon the specific area and prevent further building of new mounds.
Termite treatment tips before going further
The mating and pairing of Alates as king and queen is just the beginning of future infestation. To prevent further infestation problems do these simple preventive measures:
- Find those cracks and open crevices in your homes and seal it.
- When your paint bubbles and begins to peel off, repaint and add new paint coats.
- Use screens for your foundation vents and even on your attic.
- Clean any suitable food materials for termites away from your home like dead trees, rotten lumber or firewood.
Michael Rozatoru :)
Termite Home Attack Styles
Very industrious by nature, termites defy working hours by being active the whole year round. Most known pests like locust follow a pattern of feeding through mating cycles and black bugs known in Asian regions of rice producing countries swarms the farm during full moons.
Definitely, it's hard to say that termites are dormant at some point of time while active in its seasonal call. Tropically adapted termites are dynamically active for the rest of their lives, whilst in cooler climatic conditions they are less active. No known holidays for these destructive pests, instead that they are just slowing down. This means that termites choose no time for rest, thus their silence is not a sign of their absence.
Food resources is one of the factors affecting the termites visibility while considering climatic conditions that directly affects the food source and shelter. Every home shelters not only the owners but the termites itself. Climatic variation of temperature doesn't directly affect the dry-wood termites lurking inside your house. Ground termites in return, build their nests even up to 18 inches below to avoid the cooler temperature above ground.
Pests in focused
Efficiently adapted to its own way of survival, like living inside tunnels with glimpse of light or nothing at all, termite generally appeared to be translucent in color and in most species of termites they are completely blind.
Normally, warming of weather signaled the activity of many household and outdoor pests. Good weather condition prepares the area for swarmers known as the termite Alate. This typical termite has well-developed eyes, black pigmentation on its wings and a task to reproduce and mate. Both Alate of opposite sex must find a partner and settled down on a new acceptable home or location to mate until finally the female lays eggs in numbers to establish and populate its new colony.
Warmer period of spring to autumn accompanied by right rainy conditions brings you up-close to a swarming that is taking part in a peaceful horizon, then blocking your sight by the sheer density of a termite swarmer. Alates are quite fortunate compared to other termites in the colony but even the lightest blow of wind can break its wings and totally loose it.
Simple steps to do when swarming occurs
Swarming will only last for a while, thereafter, piles of dead insects are visible. When this happens don't panic and immediately apply chemical pesticides but follow these simple steps:
Termite's Question and Answer Review
Answer: Practically when we talk about termites, the only similar things we can see are its destructive attitude and our painstaking strategies to fight termite invasion. Studies shows that scientists named over a thousand species but only two of these worry the homeowners the most: dry-wood and subterranean termites.
Answer: Structures made of wood are potential food source for termites, so even as early as two days from the date of building completion you can notice the termite presence. The best thing to do is to apply mechanical and chemical barriers to isolate your home from possible termite infestation.
Answer: No possible season for termite swarming and attacks, they are active the whole year round mostly on warmer climatic condition. Termites continue their activities as long as the condition warrants; moisture and food source.
Answer: The chance of infestation transfer is higher. But always remember that prevention is better than being sorry. Preventive measures include barriers of mechanical or chemical and even natural. Control the level of moisture in your house by drying and securing proper drainage, air-conditioning units must be keep dry and leaks on water piping must be repaired immediately.
Answer: Often, termites can be detected when swarming occurs. Alates often leave their colonies to "start" a new colony of their own. These winged termites are bound to lose their wings once they start making. Moreover, the most visible sign of termite presence is the occurrence of mud tubes and tunnel-like structures on the wall surfaces, chimneys and all other house portions even your fixtures. Your weak and broken fixture made of wood maybe a sign and evidence of termites. The most noticeable is the piles of sawdust-like wastes on window jams and floors.
Answer: No guarantee about that. We know that termites are hard to detect because they usually spend most of their lives hidden inside your walls and roofs. For your assurance, let the professional pest control contractors check and inspect your home.
Michael Rozatoru :)
Definitely, it's hard to say that termites are dormant at some point of time while active in its seasonal call. Tropically adapted termites are dynamically active for the rest of their lives, whilst in cooler climatic conditions they are less active. No known holidays for these destructive pests, instead that they are just slowing down. This means that termites choose no time for rest, thus their silence is not a sign of their absence.
Food resources is one of the factors affecting the termites visibility while considering climatic conditions that directly affects the food source and shelter. Every home shelters not only the owners but the termites itself. Climatic variation of temperature doesn't directly affect the dry-wood termites lurking inside your house. Ground termites in return, build their nests even up to 18 inches below to avoid the cooler temperature above ground.
Pests in focused
Efficiently adapted to its own way of survival, like living inside tunnels with glimpse of light or nothing at all, termite generally appeared to be translucent in color and in most species of termites they are completely blind.
Normally, warming of weather signaled the activity of many household and outdoor pests. Good weather condition prepares the area for swarmers known as the termite Alate. This typical termite has well-developed eyes, black pigmentation on its wings and a task to reproduce and mate. Both Alate of opposite sex must find a partner and settled down on a new acceptable home or location to mate until finally the female lays eggs in numbers to establish and populate its new colony.
Warmer period of spring to autumn accompanied by right rainy conditions brings you up-close to a swarming that is taking part in a peaceful horizon, then blocking your sight by the sheer density of a termite swarmer. Alates are quite fortunate compared to other termites in the colony but even the lightest blow of wind can break its wings and totally loose it.
Simple steps to do when swarming occurs
Swarming will only last for a while, thereafter, piles of dead insects are visible. When this happens don't panic and immediately apply chemical pesticides but follow these simple steps:
- Take a keen observation of the swarming insects to determine the right procedures to be done. Maybe you're thinking of termites but after all its just ants.
- You need to identify and collect samples. Swarming ants and termites are completely different but very alike and look confusing. The antennae of ants are shorter compared to termite Alates. The wings of Alates are straight, similar in size and shape.
- If you have history of pest inspection due to past termite infestation, review your contract and agreement for your warranty. Under your agreement and aligned to the existing warranty limits and coverage you can claim for a follow up work from them. Take note that your Home Insurance doesn't cover the extent of termite damage being done.
- Your collected samples of termites will be of a great use by presenting it to the new Professional Pest Control Contractor. This happens if the previous Pest Controller doesn't offer warranties. In this case, be sure to choose a licensed contractor and insure the quality of their work.
Termite's Question and Answer Review
Question: Are all termites the same?
Answer: Practically when we talk about termites, the only similar things we can see are its destructive attitude and our painstaking strategies to fight termite invasion. Studies shows that scientists named over a thousand species but only two of these worry the homeowners the most: dry-wood and subterranean termites.
Question: My house is newly constructed and therefore termite-free?
Answer: Structures made of wood are potential food source for termites, so even as early as two days from the date of building completion you can notice the termite presence. The best thing to do is to apply mechanical and chemical barriers to isolate your home from possible termite infestation.
Question: Like any other pests, what is the season for termite attacks?
Answer: No possible season for termite swarming and attacks, they are active the whole year round mostly on warmer climatic condition. Termites continue their activities as long as the condition warrants; moisture and food source.
Question: My neighbor just recently fumigated their home from termites, is it possible that termites will transfer to my house unknowingly?
Answer: The chance of infestation transfer is higher. But always remember that prevention is better than being sorry. Preventive measures include barriers of mechanical or chemical and even natural. Control the level of moisture in your house by drying and securing proper drainage, air-conditioning units must be keep dry and leaks on water piping must be repaired immediately.
Question: How will I know if termite infestation occurs in my home? What are the possible signs?
Answer: Often, termites can be detected when swarming occurs. Alates often leave their colonies to "start" a new colony of their own. These winged termites are bound to lose their wings once they start making. Moreover, the most visible sign of termite presence is the occurrence of mud tubes and tunnel-like structures on the wall surfaces, chimneys and all other house portions even your fixtures. Your weak and broken fixture made of wood maybe a sign and evidence of termites. The most noticeable is the piles of sawdust-like wastes on window jams and floors.
Question: I don’t see such things and signs, does this means that my house is free from termite infestation?
Answer: No guarantee about that. We know that termites are hard to detect because they usually spend most of their lives hidden inside your walls and roofs. For your assurance, let the professional pest control contractors check and inspect your home.
Michael Rozatoru :)
Termites – The Unsung Heroes of Serengeti National Park
You should have probably known already that termites aren't all that bad. They do certainly wreak havoc to your homes due to their incessant feeding time 24/7, but that's not all there is to them. There's more to termites than what meets the eye and more than just monster munching all the wood on earth. Termites have a greater purpose in the entire ecological system balance, that without them certain species will be compromised and would eventually lead to the imbalance of the web of life. This is probably the reason why no matter how much you would hate them having been destroying properties, you can't just simply take them out of the equation on a whim. Yes, you can take them out of your house, but you can't take them out of the world. Fortunately, there are just too many of them, that no matter how many termite colonies you eradicate within the urban premises of your subdivision, you are still not half of a single percent in taking out the entire species in the world. Termites, are so many that if you gather them all in this world and weigh them, they would weigh more than the weight of all human beings combined. However, an offsetting interesting fact also exists. It is that termites have done more damages than all hurricanes, tornadoes and fires have destroyed. Nevertheless, they are still important species in the planet.
But still, the importance of termites is still quite difficult to grasp in everyone's minds and hearts. You can't blame everyone though how they see termites, because of what can be readily and evidently seen in them when they start taking it on your properties. Therefore it would be best to give you a better demonstrative example as to how important termites are really in this world and hopefully it would take away that prejudice that has long been there against these insects. And there's no better way to take a more comprehensive perspective than to look at how they interact in their natural habitat.
The Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti national park is one of the most renowned national parks in this world and perhaps even one of the largest, serving as home to many species of the wild, including those that are already endangered. Serengeti National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania, and southwest of Kenya in Africa. The establishment of the park was sometime around 1941, covering 14,800 square kms, or about 5,700 square miles of land area. The entire place is comprised of flat open grasslands, some rocky small hills called "kopjes" and certain woodlands and savannas in the western side of the national park. For some time, Serengeti has been the only park in Africa where seasonal migrations of many different animal species occur.
The park has been a home to more than 200 bird species and over 35 species of plain mammals, including zebras, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes and wildebeests. There are also gazelles and elephants inhabiting the area but they weren't that much prevalent until 1960's. The increasing number of human population residing in the surrounding areas and along with urbanization that deprived the animals of their natural resources, has eventually forced much of the gazelles and elephants into the protected park. At present there are now 200,000 zebras, 2 million wildebeest, 1 million gazelles, and some thousands of elephants inhabit the park. The wide plains of Serengeti have also been a home to the greatly endangered species of black rhinoceroses. On rainy seasons, usually between November and December, millions of animal species from across the continent will come into the park to graze. The grazing often takes place in the south-eastern plains. This part of Serengeti has only a very few bodies of waterand thus becoming excessively upon the end of the rainy season. This will practically force all the wildebeest, gazelles and as well as zebras to migrate to the western part of the park.
Role of Termites in Serengeti
Of course, along with the mammals that inhabit Serengeti, are also species of insects in different sorts that includes species of termites. As all of the other animals that live in the Serengeti plains play their role in harmonizing the ecosystem in Serengeti so does the termites that live in the area. The role of termites is quite important as they serve as decomposers of wood and other plant materials which in turn become the nourishment to the soil. Termites also aerate the soil which in turn making it more fertile to grow various forms of plants and trees.
Termites are known to build mounds that are several feet high off the ground. Inside these termite mounds are colonies of termites that harmoniously coexist with each other on a higher level of structural system and stratification. Also, inside the mounds are deep tunnels and vertical shafts that can be as deep as several meters into the earth. These holes provide sufficient ventilation for the colony. But the benefits of these holes don't only serve their creators, but also they serve as home to a variety of animal species. Animals like mongoose, snakes and wild mice are amongst the cohabiters of a termite mound. If you are a sane person, you would not put your hands inside a termite mound.
If you are in Serengeti, you would be able to notice that certain mammals like gnus (wildebeest) and or some predators like cheetahs or lions, often use termite mounds as posts for look-outs especially when they are out for the hunt. Of course, it could also be used for the other hand to look for any possibility of imminent danger and avoid it. A few feet of ground elevation can already be a crucial leverage in the wild, being able to spot detriments or food. Termite mounds also increase the propensity of habitat diversity by providing susceptible living grounds for certain specific types of animals.
Michael Rozatoru :)
But still, the importance of termites is still quite difficult to grasp in everyone's minds and hearts. You can't blame everyone though how they see termites, because of what can be readily and evidently seen in them when they start taking it on your properties. Therefore it would be best to give you a better demonstrative example as to how important termites are really in this world and hopefully it would take away that prejudice that has long been there against these insects. And there's no better way to take a more comprehensive perspective than to look at how they interact in their natural habitat.
The Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti national park is one of the most renowned national parks in this world and perhaps even one of the largest, serving as home to many species of the wild, including those that are already endangered. Serengeti National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania, and southwest of Kenya in Africa. The establishment of the park was sometime around 1941, covering 14,800 square kms, or about 5,700 square miles of land area. The entire place is comprised of flat open grasslands, some rocky small hills called "kopjes" and certain woodlands and savannas in the western side of the national park. For some time, Serengeti has been the only park in Africa where seasonal migrations of many different animal species occur.
The park has been a home to more than 200 bird species and over 35 species of plain mammals, including zebras, lions, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, giraffes and wildebeests. There are also gazelles and elephants inhabiting the area but they weren't that much prevalent until 1960's. The increasing number of human population residing in the surrounding areas and along with urbanization that deprived the animals of their natural resources, has eventually forced much of the gazelles and elephants into the protected park. At present there are now 200,000 zebras, 2 million wildebeest, 1 million gazelles, and some thousands of elephants inhabit the park. The wide plains of Serengeti have also been a home to the greatly endangered species of black rhinoceroses. On rainy seasons, usually between November and December, millions of animal species from across the continent will come into the park to graze. The grazing often takes place in the south-eastern plains. This part of Serengeti has only a very few bodies of waterand thus becoming excessively upon the end of the rainy season. This will practically force all the wildebeest, gazelles and as well as zebras to migrate to the western part of the park.
Role of Termites in Serengeti
Of course, along with the mammals that inhabit Serengeti, are also species of insects in different sorts that includes species of termites. As all of the other animals that live in the Serengeti plains play their role in harmonizing the ecosystem in Serengeti so does the termites that live in the area. The role of termites is quite important as they serve as decomposers of wood and other plant materials which in turn become the nourishment to the soil. Termites also aerate the soil which in turn making it more fertile to grow various forms of plants and trees.
Termites are known to build mounds that are several feet high off the ground. Inside these termite mounds are colonies of termites that harmoniously coexist with each other on a higher level of structural system and stratification. Also, inside the mounds are deep tunnels and vertical shafts that can be as deep as several meters into the earth. These holes provide sufficient ventilation for the colony. But the benefits of these holes don't only serve their creators, but also they serve as home to a variety of animal species. Animals like mongoose, snakes and wild mice are amongst the cohabiters of a termite mound. If you are a sane person, you would not put your hands inside a termite mound.
If you are in Serengeti, you would be able to notice that certain mammals like gnus (wildebeest) and or some predators like cheetahs or lions, often use termite mounds as posts for look-outs especially when they are out for the hunt. Of course, it could also be used for the other hand to look for any possibility of imminent danger and avoid it. A few feet of ground elevation can already be a crucial leverage in the wild, being able to spot detriments or food. Termite mounds also increase the propensity of habitat diversity by providing susceptible living grounds for certain specific types of animals.
Michael Rozatoru :)
Different Termite Products You Can Use at Home
Termites are those tiny wood-eating insects that make a living for thousands termite exterminators and factory workers employed by large termite control products manufacturing companies. Although termites are relatively very small to cause serious household trouble, because termites live in colonies composed of hundreds of thousands if not millions of members these insects have become capable of destroying properties reaching to hundreds of millions in value.
However, professional termite extermination and control can be really costly. This is the main reason why many homeowners prefer to exterminate termites on their own. They do this by using termite control products which are readily available both in pest control shops and in online stores. Here are some of the products which homeowners normally buy:
1. Termite Killing Foam Aerosols
Aerosols are quite popular to housewives because they are very easy to dispense. In the case of termite killing foam aerosols, the user just have to spray the cracks and crevices found along the walls and on the floor and the job are complete. The user can also spray termite tube and mounds with the aerosol for an instant kill. Most termite killing foam aerosols do not leave odor or stain so they can be used by anyone without having to worry about anything else. Of course, aerosol mists are also toxic once ingested. But compared to other methods of dispensing chemical, aerosol cans provide the safest method.
The most popular termite killing foam aerosol is manufactured by Spectrum Corporation bearing the brand name Spectracide Terminate. Other termite killing foam aerosols in the market are CB D-Foam manufactured by Waterbury, Termite Kill Foam by United Industries and Ant & Termite Killer by Terro. The active ingredient used in all these products is Deltamethrin. The price of each aerosol can range from $15 to $75 depending on the brand and the size of the aerosol can.
2. Termite Killing Stakes
Termite stakes are used as baiting systems. In plain words, the stakes are not so different with all the other stakes that we place around our house, only that these stakes are poisoned. When you "fence" your house with these stakes, termites will confuse them with regular and "safe" wood and feed on it. Since the termite workers also feed the soldier and the larvae in the colony, they also poison these other members with the poison that they got from the stakes. The poison found in these stakes is slow-acting thus giving the termites more time to spread throughout their colony and kill as many termites with them. Results may not be seen in weeks but the use of stakes in one of the most effective way to keep the poison out of your house.
The most popular termite killing stake product sold in the market is from Spectracide costing about $50 per 15 counts. Another popular termite stake product is from United Industries Corporation costing $20 per 5 counts.
3. Termite Killing Sprays
Termite sprays dispense liquid termiticides which are proven to be effective in killing termites on the spot. These products are especially useful when the goal is to simply exterminate termites that can be seen in plain sight. However, the major disadvantage with termiticide sprays is that these can only kill a very few members of the entire termite colony. If the infestation is already severe, all that termiticide sprays can do is repel termites from going into areas that can be readily seen, this means that they can still continue to damage the house structure by feeding on the wood materials of your house where you cannot see.
These termite control products are relatively cheap because of their limited effectiveness. Amongst the most popular termiticide sprays are Terro, Spectracide, Bonide, Orange Guard and Bayer. All of these sprays cost less than $10 each.
4. Termiticide Concentrates
Professional termite exterminators also use termiticide concentrates but in most cases they use termiticide concentrates that are not readily available to the general public. These professional exterminators use their licenses to operate and provide services in making their termiticide purchases, so if ever you are offered a termiticide concentrate that is not supposed to be sold to an ordinary person, you better back off because you might be just harming yourself. Termiticide concentrates that are available for the general public are usually manufactured to have lesser toxicity in order to avoid fatal accidents from happening. Nonetheless, these products have to be handled with extra care in order to really make sure that nothing unwanted happens.
Termiticide concentrates are often mixed with either oil or water. In most cases, termiticide concentrates mixed with water are less toxic than those mixed with oil. The containers of these chemicals bear three kinds of warnings depending on the poison scheduling level of the chemical. The cost of termiticide concentrates vary so much depending on their brands and the active ingredient used by its manufacturer. The price range is anywhere between $0.9 and $5.9 per gallon. Among the more popular termiticide concentrate brands are: Dominion, Termidor, Tengard, Cyper TC, Altriset, Phantom and Bayer.
There are so many termite control products sold in the market these days. Most of these products are marketed to make an average homeowner think that the product will be sufficient to solve the termite infestation problems that he or she is already experiencing at home. There are many instances when these products do not satisfy their users of their effectively but still get away with it because of good marketing strategies. It is still more advantageous for any consumer to take the time to find out more about the product rather than make the purchase without knowing anything.
When using termite control products it is also very useful to keep in mind that you are dealing and handling poisonous chemicals which can harm you as much as they can harm the termites. Proper care must be practiced all the time. It is also most advised if the user follows the instruction indicated in the label of the product being used.
Have a nice day,
Michael Rozatoru :)
However, professional termite extermination and control can be really costly. This is the main reason why many homeowners prefer to exterminate termites on their own. They do this by using termite control products which are readily available both in pest control shops and in online stores. Here are some of the products which homeowners normally buy:
1. Termite Killing Foam Aerosols
Aerosols are quite popular to housewives because they are very easy to dispense. In the case of termite killing foam aerosols, the user just have to spray the cracks and crevices found along the walls and on the floor and the job are complete. The user can also spray termite tube and mounds with the aerosol for an instant kill. Most termite killing foam aerosols do not leave odor or stain so they can be used by anyone without having to worry about anything else. Of course, aerosol mists are also toxic once ingested. But compared to other methods of dispensing chemical, aerosol cans provide the safest method.
The most popular termite killing foam aerosol is manufactured by Spectrum Corporation bearing the brand name Spectracide Terminate. Other termite killing foam aerosols in the market are CB D-Foam manufactured by Waterbury, Termite Kill Foam by United Industries and Ant & Termite Killer by Terro. The active ingredient used in all these products is Deltamethrin. The price of each aerosol can range from $15 to $75 depending on the brand and the size of the aerosol can.
2. Termite Killing Stakes
Termite stakes are used as baiting systems. In plain words, the stakes are not so different with all the other stakes that we place around our house, only that these stakes are poisoned. When you "fence" your house with these stakes, termites will confuse them with regular and "safe" wood and feed on it. Since the termite workers also feed the soldier and the larvae in the colony, they also poison these other members with the poison that they got from the stakes. The poison found in these stakes is slow-acting thus giving the termites more time to spread throughout their colony and kill as many termites with them. Results may not be seen in weeks but the use of stakes in one of the most effective way to keep the poison out of your house.
The most popular termite killing stake product sold in the market is from Spectracide costing about $50 per 15 counts. Another popular termite stake product is from United Industries Corporation costing $20 per 5 counts.
3. Termite Killing Sprays
Termite sprays dispense liquid termiticides which are proven to be effective in killing termites on the spot. These products are especially useful when the goal is to simply exterminate termites that can be seen in plain sight. However, the major disadvantage with termiticide sprays is that these can only kill a very few members of the entire termite colony. If the infestation is already severe, all that termiticide sprays can do is repel termites from going into areas that can be readily seen, this means that they can still continue to damage the house structure by feeding on the wood materials of your house where you cannot see.
These termite control products are relatively cheap because of their limited effectiveness. Amongst the most popular termiticide sprays are Terro, Spectracide, Bonide, Orange Guard and Bayer. All of these sprays cost less than $10 each.
4. Termiticide Concentrates
Professional termite exterminators also use termiticide concentrates but in most cases they use termiticide concentrates that are not readily available to the general public. These professional exterminators use their licenses to operate and provide services in making their termiticide purchases, so if ever you are offered a termiticide concentrate that is not supposed to be sold to an ordinary person, you better back off because you might be just harming yourself. Termiticide concentrates that are available for the general public are usually manufactured to have lesser toxicity in order to avoid fatal accidents from happening. Nonetheless, these products have to be handled with extra care in order to really make sure that nothing unwanted happens.
Termiticide concentrates are often mixed with either oil or water. In most cases, termiticide concentrates mixed with water are less toxic than those mixed with oil. The containers of these chemicals bear three kinds of warnings depending on the poison scheduling level of the chemical. The cost of termiticide concentrates vary so much depending on their brands and the active ingredient used by its manufacturer. The price range is anywhere between $0.9 and $5.9 per gallon. Among the more popular termiticide concentrate brands are: Dominion, Termidor, Tengard, Cyper TC, Altriset, Phantom and Bayer.
There are so many termite control products sold in the market these days. Most of these products are marketed to make an average homeowner think that the product will be sufficient to solve the termite infestation problems that he or she is already experiencing at home. There are many instances when these products do not satisfy their users of their effectively but still get away with it because of good marketing strategies. It is still more advantageous for any consumer to take the time to find out more about the product rather than make the purchase without knowing anything.
When using termite control products it is also very useful to keep in mind that you are dealing and handling poisonous chemicals which can harm you as much as they can harm the termites. Proper care must be practiced all the time. It is also most advised if the user follows the instruction indicated in the label of the product being used.
Have a nice day,
Michael Rozatoru :)
Keeping Termites Away With Sand
Issues concerning termite extermination may definitely cost you quite a lot especially. It gets especially costly when you have decided to take things on your own, without expert counsel or guidance because you would have to go through the lengthy trial and error process before you can ever get the ultimate solution to your problem. One thing is for certain though; you are looking for a potent and effective deterrent to keep those termites away from coming into your house. But what could be when all things buyable in the market would definitely hurt your pocket considerably, even if some of them relatively cheap in different respects of application? You would have to pursue the ones that would almost not cost you anything at all. The question now is what is that termite deterrent method?
If you are out looking for the cheapest yet very effective pest termite deterrent, you need not to look further as the answer can be readily seen before you if you try to understand its nature better. This effective termite deterrent is sand. Yes, believe it or not, sand can provide your household the protection it needs against any termite infestation. If used properly, its effects in garrisoning your house from termites can par even effective commercial termiticides. And the upside is that, it is utterly cheap compare to any termite control and extermination methods available in the market. The reason why sand is a very effective termite deterrent is because termites cannot tunnel through sand. Sand then became quite popular to many household owners whom were acquainted to the effects and effectiveness the method. Since termites use their mandibles to create tunnels through the ground, they could only accommodate certain sizes of grain to lift thus they couldn't create termite colonies with sand.
But will the sand method work every time?
Actually, there are a number of individuals whom have found the sand method ineffective. The reason it is so is this.
Size Matters
Size is a very important consideration when applying the sand termite control method. Size dictates the method to work or not. You have to make sure that the sand grains aren't too small, otherwise, they might just be a perfect fit to the termites' mandibles and will be able to lift them over and tunnel their way through anyway. Make it a point to find sand that has bigger grains so that the termites wouldn't be able to move them along as they pummel their way through. An expert will be able to help you in distinguishing the sand you are about to purchase. He or she will be able to tell which sands have larger or smaller grains; hence, you will now know which type of sand to purchase.
Sometimes, sand may look to have large granules, however they are apparently riddles with smaller ones and this could become a setback in your termite deterrence approach. Termites will be able to break the riddle and reduce the granules to smaller ones and this could definitely compromise everything that you have worked for so far. Also, if your sand grains are riddles with smaller granules, it would leave openings that could become passages for termites to penetrate through the sand barrier and still make their way into your house. This would also mean, even if you have spent quite less on purchasing the sand you had for termite barrier, you would still end up wasting your investment by nullifying the sense of having the sand at the first place. Make sure that you acquire sand that has definitely larger granules so that termites will never be able to make it through any possible seams or cracks within the sand that you may not be aware of.
Seek Help If Deemed Necessary
If you think your personal attempts haven't been working out too well for you, it may not be such a bad idea to seek professional or experts help to install the sand barrier into your house. Employing professional help basically means you eliminate flaws in installation as much as possible. It ensures that the sand barrier is properly placed in the appropriate locations so that the termites will not be able to get through in anyway. You have to understand that a single gap created by a flaw in the installation of the sand barrier is all it would take for the termites to penetrate into your household. Termites happen to have instinctive keen senses that would enable them to detect openings and grab opportunities to infiltrate just to get to their goal of finding food source. Your house just happens to be the next nearest available depot of food and they will do whatever it takes them to get to there.
Having professional help would also entail a package inclusive if regular routine inspection before, on and after the installation of the sand barrier. If you extend your purchase of professional service package, extermination routines can also be availed. Yearly fees often include prevention methods as well. If you purchase an entire year package of professional termite extermination services, you will be able to save up more money rather than spending on individual inspections. Individual inspections often have relatively higher rates compared to having an entire year package. This has been a common incentive to any termite extermination companies once you avail of their professional services.
So now when you happen to have termites threatening the peaceful and safe-living environment of your home, you now know what to do in order to deal with them. Knowing what you will have to do in case these problems arise, will ensure that you will no longer have to worry eventual property damage caused by feeding termite colonies. All you have to fully understand is that no amount of termite extermination expenses will outweigh what you will lose if there is an infestation going on inside your house. Repairs for a termite-destroyed property is just mad expensive and you really don't want to have this instead of hiring professional termite extermination services.
Michael Rozatoru :)
If you are out looking for the cheapest yet very effective pest termite deterrent, you need not to look further as the answer can be readily seen before you if you try to understand its nature better. This effective termite deterrent is sand. Yes, believe it or not, sand can provide your household the protection it needs against any termite infestation. If used properly, its effects in garrisoning your house from termites can par even effective commercial termiticides. And the upside is that, it is utterly cheap compare to any termite control and extermination methods available in the market. The reason why sand is a very effective termite deterrent is because termites cannot tunnel through sand. Sand then became quite popular to many household owners whom were acquainted to the effects and effectiveness the method. Since termites use their mandibles to create tunnels through the ground, they could only accommodate certain sizes of grain to lift thus they couldn't create termite colonies with sand.
But will the sand method work every time?
Actually, there are a number of individuals whom have found the sand method ineffective. The reason it is so is this.
Size Matters
Size is a very important consideration when applying the sand termite control method. Size dictates the method to work or not. You have to make sure that the sand grains aren't too small, otherwise, they might just be a perfect fit to the termites' mandibles and will be able to lift them over and tunnel their way through anyway. Make it a point to find sand that has bigger grains so that the termites wouldn't be able to move them along as they pummel their way through. An expert will be able to help you in distinguishing the sand you are about to purchase. He or she will be able to tell which sands have larger or smaller grains; hence, you will now know which type of sand to purchase.
Sometimes, sand may look to have large granules, however they are apparently riddles with smaller ones and this could become a setback in your termite deterrence approach. Termites will be able to break the riddle and reduce the granules to smaller ones and this could definitely compromise everything that you have worked for so far. Also, if your sand grains are riddles with smaller granules, it would leave openings that could become passages for termites to penetrate through the sand barrier and still make their way into your house. This would also mean, even if you have spent quite less on purchasing the sand you had for termite barrier, you would still end up wasting your investment by nullifying the sense of having the sand at the first place. Make sure that you acquire sand that has definitely larger granules so that termites will never be able to make it through any possible seams or cracks within the sand that you may not be aware of.
Seek Help If Deemed Necessary
If you think your personal attempts haven't been working out too well for you, it may not be such a bad idea to seek professional or experts help to install the sand barrier into your house. Employing professional help basically means you eliminate flaws in installation as much as possible. It ensures that the sand barrier is properly placed in the appropriate locations so that the termites will not be able to get through in anyway. You have to understand that a single gap created by a flaw in the installation of the sand barrier is all it would take for the termites to penetrate into your household. Termites happen to have instinctive keen senses that would enable them to detect openings and grab opportunities to infiltrate just to get to their goal of finding food source. Your house just happens to be the next nearest available depot of food and they will do whatever it takes them to get to there.
Having professional help would also entail a package inclusive if regular routine inspection before, on and after the installation of the sand barrier. If you extend your purchase of professional service package, extermination routines can also be availed. Yearly fees often include prevention methods as well. If you purchase an entire year package of professional termite extermination services, you will be able to save up more money rather than spending on individual inspections. Individual inspections often have relatively higher rates compared to having an entire year package. This has been a common incentive to any termite extermination companies once you avail of their professional services.
So now when you happen to have termites threatening the peaceful and safe-living environment of your home, you now know what to do in order to deal with them. Knowing what you will have to do in case these problems arise, will ensure that you will no longer have to worry eventual property damage caused by feeding termite colonies. All you have to fully understand is that no amount of termite extermination expenses will outweigh what you will lose if there is an infestation going on inside your house. Repairs for a termite-destroyed property is just mad expensive and you really don't want to have this instead of hiring professional termite extermination services.
Michael Rozatoru :)
More About Salt Usage as Termite Control Method
Many people in the world are looking for the most organic of ways to deal with most of the chore problems inside their house. Be it garbage disposal issues to pest control methods, people are always more often than not, finding the most conventional natural ways on dealing with the problem at hand. Well, you can't blame people for being like this considering the amount of damage the environment, the ecosystem has already suffered. Just a little more push and the system will fall right into the edge and life as we know it finally dawn to end. We humans would probably be history and that is if there will be anyone left to things into account anymore. Finding the best "green" methods in dealing with household chore and issue is not just becoming a trend these days but an arising necessity in response to the world's environmental issues. This is a way to encourage everyone, especially those who are indifferent about this huge planetary concern to take part and becoming proactive in saving our degenerating mother earth.
The same thing goes as well with dealing termite infestation problems as it is a household chore in itself. Any house would need to deal with termite problem at some point in time and it would be best to make it a point to use natural methods in addressing it. Of course there are a lot of commercialized termite control solutions out there and indeed they are very effective in executing solutions, however, the more effective and more commercialize they become, the more endangering they are as well to the environment. Toxic termiticides are often chemical based solutions that can definitely kill termites but could also dispirit your garden. Some brands could even produce greenhouse gas by-products that can detrimentally harm the ozone layer. This has been so dire that at some point even the government intervened and banned some of these brands that harm the atmosphere.
However, effectiveness isn't always contingent to how commercialized or potently toxic the material is. The alternative to such harmful approach is simply finding the solution that deals with a specific aspect. And when it comes to this part, if you are not critical and resourceful enough, it would be difficult for you to come up a creative solution. When you say creative solutions, is simply means at least not purchasing the direct products right away. Instead devising and improvising a solution of your own which will make things more cost efficient and environmentally friendly.
In the previous articles there have been tons of recommended methods offered to you delivered in a tip outline. In this page, you will be reading more about the usage of salt to address the termite infestation problem in your house. You would have probably already heard about borate solutions. Salt or brine solutions for termite treatments are somehow related to this methodology as they function in the same manner. They are even compounded to become more potent treatments against termites but at the same time still uphold the environmentally conscious essence.
The idea of using brine and borate solutions to deal with termites is probably derived from how salts can kill snails and slugs. The same process basically works with termites when salt is integrated to their system. But how does salt exactly work in killing termites and other animals alike.
The Process of Salt Fatality
The answer can all be summed into a single word - Osmosis
The process of osmosis is the process is simple the transference of liquid from one place to another. It can also be thought as the transition of concentration through a permeable boundary or membrane resulting to water equilibrium in both parts. Osmosis is the process that takes place in termites, slugs, snails and other animals that they die out just being in superficial contact with salt.
These types of animals normally have high percentage of water content in their body. Also, they have exoskeletons that are super permeable covering more than half of their entire form.
Since salt acts is a natural desiccant, once it comes in contact with animals or insects like termites, slugs and snails, the desiccant’s concentration increases in the exterior part of the insect. While this is happening in the exterior, the decrease of water concentration in the interior is also taking place. This is all taking place because the invasion of the natural desiccant has caused an imbalance in the liquid equilibrium of the subject's body. The natural response to this is to balance is back, which is why the concentration from the interior going outside. Since, this type of animals, have super permeable skins, the process of osmosis would be taking a straightforward pace.
The equilibrium may be eventually achieved, but losing that much water inside the subject system is indubitably naturally fatal. Of course, the insect would literally die out of dehydration.
Why Use Salt?
It's a no brainer to deduce that salt is highly cost efficient in any way it can be applied, salt solutions are also utterly environmentally friendly while being very effective at the same time. Salt doesn't produce when greenhouse gasses that can definitely harm the atmosphere neither will it by product any toxic wastes that would potentially harm the environment. There are also no known risks to the human system with salt. Whether in crystal or in solution state, salt remains to be completely harmless to anything apart from animals such as termites and alike. On top of that all is the sheer and utter convenience of accessing the substance anytime you want. Since salt is normally a food condiment, it can be easily found in your kitchen cupboard and use it at any time deemed necessary. Mass usage of salt due to severe termite infestation would require a different level of accessibility. However, nevertheless the question of accessibility is just simply out of the question. This should be more than enough to convince you why you should use salt in treating termite problems in your house.
Michael Rozatoru :)
The same thing goes as well with dealing termite infestation problems as it is a household chore in itself. Any house would need to deal with termite problem at some point in time and it would be best to make it a point to use natural methods in addressing it. Of course there are a lot of commercialized termite control solutions out there and indeed they are very effective in executing solutions, however, the more effective and more commercialize they become, the more endangering they are as well to the environment. Toxic termiticides are often chemical based solutions that can definitely kill termites but could also dispirit your garden. Some brands could even produce greenhouse gas by-products that can detrimentally harm the ozone layer. This has been so dire that at some point even the government intervened and banned some of these brands that harm the atmosphere.
However, effectiveness isn't always contingent to how commercialized or potently toxic the material is. The alternative to such harmful approach is simply finding the solution that deals with a specific aspect. And when it comes to this part, if you are not critical and resourceful enough, it would be difficult for you to come up a creative solution. When you say creative solutions, is simply means at least not purchasing the direct products right away. Instead devising and improvising a solution of your own which will make things more cost efficient and environmentally friendly.
In the previous articles there have been tons of recommended methods offered to you delivered in a tip outline. In this page, you will be reading more about the usage of salt to address the termite infestation problem in your house. You would have probably already heard about borate solutions. Salt or brine solutions for termite treatments are somehow related to this methodology as they function in the same manner. They are even compounded to become more potent treatments against termites but at the same time still uphold the environmentally conscious essence.
The idea of using brine and borate solutions to deal with termites is probably derived from how salts can kill snails and slugs. The same process basically works with termites when salt is integrated to their system. But how does salt exactly work in killing termites and other animals alike.
The Process of Salt Fatality
The answer can all be summed into a single word - Osmosis
The process of osmosis is the process is simple the transference of liquid from one place to another. It can also be thought as the transition of concentration through a permeable boundary or membrane resulting to water equilibrium in both parts. Osmosis is the process that takes place in termites, slugs, snails and other animals that they die out just being in superficial contact with salt.
These types of animals normally have high percentage of water content in their body. Also, they have exoskeletons that are super permeable covering more than half of their entire form.
Since salt acts is a natural desiccant, once it comes in contact with animals or insects like termites, slugs and snails, the desiccant’s concentration increases in the exterior part of the insect. While this is happening in the exterior, the decrease of water concentration in the interior is also taking place. This is all taking place because the invasion of the natural desiccant has caused an imbalance in the liquid equilibrium of the subject's body. The natural response to this is to balance is back, which is why the concentration from the interior going outside. Since, this type of animals, have super permeable skins, the process of osmosis would be taking a straightforward pace.
The equilibrium may be eventually achieved, but losing that much water inside the subject system is indubitably naturally fatal. Of course, the insect would literally die out of dehydration.
Why Use Salt?
It's a no brainer to deduce that salt is highly cost efficient in any way it can be applied, salt solutions are also utterly environmentally friendly while being very effective at the same time. Salt doesn't produce when greenhouse gasses that can definitely harm the atmosphere neither will it by product any toxic wastes that would potentially harm the environment. There are also no known risks to the human system with salt. Whether in crystal or in solution state, salt remains to be completely harmless to anything apart from animals such as termites and alike. On top of that all is the sheer and utter convenience of accessing the substance anytime you want. Since salt is normally a food condiment, it can be easily found in your kitchen cupboard and use it at any time deemed necessary. Mass usage of salt due to severe termite infestation would require a different level of accessibility. However, nevertheless the question of accessibility is just simply out of the question. This should be more than enough to convince you why you should use salt in treating termite problems in your house.
Michael Rozatoru :)
Termites as Indicators of Climate Changes
Throughout time, people have believed that animals have the ability or instinct to tell bad things that will happen. Often these instincts are related to weather alterations or climactic changes due to an incoming natural catastrophe. It has been observed that animals' behaviors often become erratic in response to the upcoming omen. Earlier people often even use animals to detect early signs of an earthquake arrival or a brewing storm up ahead. They can tell by the amount of discomfort animals in the barn or any domesticated animals manifest. There is still no conclusive empirical basis on this phenomenon and researchers are still finding facts to truly explain such things from happening.
The most common animals that manifest this kind of behaviors are those that are typically but not limited to domesticated dogs, cats, guinea pigs, or barn animals like owls, cows, and or goats. Throughout time people often see them manifest this kind of behavior when something is up. Some people even believer they are harbingers of bad omen and they would resort to certain ritualistic practices to counter that bad thing that is about to come i.e. host sacrificing, pagan worships and what not. However, there are only too few of such practices being accounted for at present time. In the light of scientific approaches that are further being developed progressively every day, there is no longer a need for such practices to exist. However, the truth remains about animals being able to foretell and researchers are still finding the key answers to unlock the mystery of animals' sage-like abilities. They may not be able to tell you in words what’s about to come, but they could certainly act it out to let you know about it.
But would you believe that even termites can also manifest that same characteristic of foretelling things in happening. You might have been wondering how such puny brainless critters can be able to execute such a complex instinct. On top of that question is that considering their sizes, of just millimetres in length be able to paint the slightest semblance of a message to communicate their gut feelings about what’s about to happen. It is quite mind boggling indeed to think that termites are able to manifest such behaviors. Nevertheless, that is still somehow true as there has been a report accounted that termites are able to foretell climate changes and the search for further scientific explanations are still at large as of this very moment.
It may have crossed your mind as to how termites exactly behave when they are about to foretell something like climate change from happening. You would have thought they would elicited certain tangible reactions like disorganized behaviors within the colony or them consuming more wood than they normally do, like they have become more destructive than ever when there is a climate change. However, that is not so with termites as they can tell climate changes in a completely new and different level. In other words, they have another way of telling things to us about what's happening around.
Termites, as eusocial organisms have managed to develop a different level of communicating indications of climate changes. This is through the topographical locations of their colonies that we humans are able to read the signs of climate changes around us. However, this termite indications of climate changes is not readily seen everywhere in the globe. They are only normally seen on natural habitats of termites in certain areas in the world where they are more prevalent. Say for example, in Africa, wherein most species of termites in existence inhabit.
According to recent research in Palo Alto, California, upon using the most sophisticated type of technology the scientists in CIDGE or Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Economy detected that they are more than over 40,000 – 50,000 mounds of termite covering almost 200 sq. miles in the African savannas. Initially, they found that their prevalent and massive habitation in the savanna places are solely linked to the vegetation and potential food sources nearby the place. However, the strategic locations of the termite mounds also indicate another thing. The patterns of the mound locations indicate a pattern greatly associated with the annual rainfall in Africa. The study’s result elaborates on how the African savanna areas have evolved through time and unravelled the fact that termite territories can significantly predict or pre-empt certain ecological shifts in the system resulting from particular climate changes. Upon the revelations of the study, the research was published in Sept. 7, 2010; an online edition entitled the Nature Communications.
Termite mound-building rationale relies on the certain area condition factors that provide a highly conducive environment for habitation. Mounds are built in areas that are not too wet and not too dry, however still well drained. These areas are also located in the African savanna hills demarcations called sleeplines. The sleeplines are where water flows via underground passing through the sandy and porous soils and banks right up in areas abundant with clay. In this way, wood trees would likely grow on the thoroughly drained upper slope parts and thus the mounds would most likely be found. The grasses however, prevail in the areas down the slope where it is wetter.
The relationship of the mound and the specific locations in the African Savannas indicate and excellent proof of aspects in hydrology, geology and certain soil conditions. These conditions then in return affect the plants that grow in the area, hence the entire local ecology. The density and the size of the mound, as well as the multitude are perfect indicators of the healthy ecosystem in the area. This is of course in respect to the vegetation patterns present.
The termite-mound indications further indicates that amount of precipitation in the area making the scientists empirically aware of which areas vegetations could possibly prosper more. Furthermore, the shifts in seasons don't affect the termite mounds in anyway. They remain rooted to the original conditions of the eco system prior the season shifts and they remain as they are despite the fluctuations.
Michael Rozatoru :)
The most common animals that manifest this kind of behaviors are those that are typically but not limited to domesticated dogs, cats, guinea pigs, or barn animals like owls, cows, and or goats. Throughout time people often see them manifest this kind of behavior when something is up. Some people even believer they are harbingers of bad omen and they would resort to certain ritualistic practices to counter that bad thing that is about to come i.e. host sacrificing, pagan worships and what not. However, there are only too few of such practices being accounted for at present time. In the light of scientific approaches that are further being developed progressively every day, there is no longer a need for such practices to exist. However, the truth remains about animals being able to foretell and researchers are still finding the key answers to unlock the mystery of animals' sage-like abilities. They may not be able to tell you in words what’s about to come, but they could certainly act it out to let you know about it.
But would you believe that even termites can also manifest that same characteristic of foretelling things in happening. You might have been wondering how such puny brainless critters can be able to execute such a complex instinct. On top of that question is that considering their sizes, of just millimetres in length be able to paint the slightest semblance of a message to communicate their gut feelings about what’s about to happen. It is quite mind boggling indeed to think that termites are able to manifest such behaviors. Nevertheless, that is still somehow true as there has been a report accounted that termites are able to foretell climate changes and the search for further scientific explanations are still at large as of this very moment.
It may have crossed your mind as to how termites exactly behave when they are about to foretell something like climate change from happening. You would have thought they would elicited certain tangible reactions like disorganized behaviors within the colony or them consuming more wood than they normally do, like they have become more destructive than ever when there is a climate change. However, that is not so with termites as they can tell climate changes in a completely new and different level. In other words, they have another way of telling things to us about what's happening around.
Termites, as eusocial organisms have managed to develop a different level of communicating indications of climate changes. This is through the topographical locations of their colonies that we humans are able to read the signs of climate changes around us. However, this termite indications of climate changes is not readily seen everywhere in the globe. They are only normally seen on natural habitats of termites in certain areas in the world where they are more prevalent. Say for example, in Africa, wherein most species of termites in existence inhabit.
According to recent research in Palo Alto, California, upon using the most sophisticated type of technology the scientists in CIDGE or Carnegie Institution's Department of Global Economy detected that they are more than over 40,000 – 50,000 mounds of termite covering almost 200 sq. miles in the African savannas. Initially, they found that their prevalent and massive habitation in the savanna places are solely linked to the vegetation and potential food sources nearby the place. However, the strategic locations of the termite mounds also indicate another thing. The patterns of the mound locations indicate a pattern greatly associated with the annual rainfall in Africa. The study’s result elaborates on how the African savanna areas have evolved through time and unravelled the fact that termite territories can significantly predict or pre-empt certain ecological shifts in the system resulting from particular climate changes. Upon the revelations of the study, the research was published in Sept. 7, 2010; an online edition entitled the Nature Communications.
Termite mound-building rationale relies on the certain area condition factors that provide a highly conducive environment for habitation. Mounds are built in areas that are not too wet and not too dry, however still well drained. These areas are also located in the African savanna hills demarcations called sleeplines. The sleeplines are where water flows via underground passing through the sandy and porous soils and banks right up in areas abundant with clay. In this way, wood trees would likely grow on the thoroughly drained upper slope parts and thus the mounds would most likely be found. The grasses however, prevail in the areas down the slope where it is wetter.
The relationship of the mound and the specific locations in the African Savannas indicate and excellent proof of aspects in hydrology, geology and certain soil conditions. These conditions then in return affect the plants that grow in the area, hence the entire local ecology. The density and the size of the mound, as well as the multitude are perfect indicators of the healthy ecosystem in the area. This is of course in respect to the vegetation patterns present.
The termite-mound indications further indicates that amount of precipitation in the area making the scientists empirically aware of which areas vegetations could possibly prosper more. Furthermore, the shifts in seasons don't affect the termite mounds in anyway. They remain rooted to the original conditions of the eco system prior the season shifts and they remain as they are despite the fluctuations.
Michael Rozatoru :)
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