Keeping termites out of your home is very important. These insects feed on wood, including wood that supports the structure of your house. This means they can cause serious problems if they’re allowed to stay. That’s why it’s important to contact a good Broken Arrow Pest Control company to eliminate termites or any other pests you might be dealing with. Let’s take a look at termites and how they operate.
Termites develop through incomplete metamorphosis. They live in colonies and divide up the work through a caste system. Reproductives maintain the colony’s population, and the queen lays eggs throughout her life. Eggs hatch into young termites that develop through a series of molts. Depending on the species and the colony’s needs, developing termites can become workers, soldiers, or reproductives.
Workers do many of the everyday jobs in the colony, including removing debris, moving soil, building mud tubes and the nest, and foraging for food. As young termites grow, they outgrow their exoskeletons and have to molt, or shed them. Subterranean termites depend on microorganisms in their digestive systems to help break down wood. They can acquire or replenish these microorganisms through trophallaxis, including the exchange of material from another termite’s hindgut.
As termites develop, they take on different roles in the colony. Workers handle feeding and maintenance, reproductives produce new termites, and soldiers defend the colony. Soldiers are tasked with protecting the colony and may sacrifice their lives doing it.
One of the interesting things about termite colonies is how organized they are. Every termite has a job, and the colony depends on these different groups working together to survive. The workers are responsible for gathering food, maintaining the nest, and feeding other members of the colony. Soldiers protect the colony from predators, particularly ants, while the reproductives are responsible for producing new termites.
As the colony grows, some termites can develop into winged reproductives, commonly called swarmers. These termites leave their original colony to find mates and establish new colonies. In Oklahoma, homeowners may notice termite swarmers during the spring, especially when conditions are warm and humid.
Finding swarmers inside your house can be a warning sign of a nearby or established termite infestation. That’s why it’s important to have your home inspected by a qualified Broken Arrow pest control company whenever you notice unusual termite activity.
If you’re having a problem with termites or any other pests, it’s time to call a Broken Arrow Pest Control company that can help. TermMax Pest Control deals with these problems all the time and can handle them quickly and effectively. Call us today.
