Termites are beneficial insects in nature, harmful in the home.
In human homes, you can find many different pests, but most of all residents are annoyed by the neighborhood with representatives of the cockroach detachment. Usually people encounter annoying red Prussians or large black cockroaches, but their small and secretive relative, termite, may turn out to be the most dangerous neighbor.
Content
What termites look like: photo
Who are termites
Name: Termites or white ants
Latin: isopteraClass: Insects - Insecta
Squad: Cockroaches - Blattodea
 | Habitats: | everywhere |
 | Dangerous for: | dead tree |
 | Means of destruction: | folk remedies, chemicals for scaring and processing |
Termites are often called white ants among the people, due to their similarity with these insects. In fact, representatives of the termite infraorder are close relatives of cockroaches and are part of the Tarakanov order. Although until 2009, biologists still singled out termites as a separate independent detachment.
What do termites look like?
Out of ignorance, termites can easily be confused with ants, since the structure and size of their bodies have some similarities. The main external difference between these insect species is the absence of a thin waist between the abdomen and thorax in termites.
Where do termites live
Representatives of the infraorder termites can be found in almost every corner of the planet. The only place that these insects have not conquered is Antarctica and the permafrost zone. The greatest species diversity of termites is concentrated on the territory of the African continent, but in temperate climates they are much less common. The smallest number of species was found in Europe and North America.
How are termite nests arranged?
In nature, there are many different termites and each species builds a dwelling in its own way. For example, some live in dunghills or inside old trees, while others build entire castles up to 10 m high. However, all types of termite mounds are united by several general principles of arrangement:
Any termite nest will necessarily have several separate chambers for the king and queen, for keeping eggs and young nymphs, as well as for storing food supplies.
The cuticle of termites is very thin and delicate, so changes in air temperature inside the nest can be detrimental to insects. Thanks to a special system of tunnels, the microclimate inside the termite mound remains favorable despite temperature fluctuations outside.
The greatest species diversity of termites occurs in the tropics, subtropics and the equatorial zone. The weather in such conditions is often changeable, and in order to prevent the nest from flooding, termites build special roofs for their houses.
How is the distribution of duties among termites
A colony of termites can range from several hundred to several million individuals, and at the same time, each family member has his own specific duties that ensure the life of the entire termite mound.
Responsibilities of workers
Worker termites have the most responsibilities in the family, as they perform the following functions:
- preparation of food stocks;
- nest building;
- caring for young offspring.
Soldier duties
The main task of the soldiers is to protect the mound from enemies. Most often, termite nests are attacked by their worst enemies - ants. Sensing danger, the soldiers try to close all the entrances to the termite mound with their large heads and defend themselves with the help of strong jaws.
Some individuals also spray a special deterrent liquid towards the enemy. At the same time, in some species, the glands are not brought out, and in order to use its contents, the soldier commits suicide by tearing his own abdomen.
Responsibilities of the sexes
Photo of termites.
The king and queen are responsible for procreation and their main task is mating. Unlike the ant king, the termite king does not die immediately after mating. He lives near the queen and continues to mate with her regularly.
If for some reason the king, queen, or both sexes die at once, the so-called deputies take their place. They develop from young nymphs. Other young reproductives that are born fly out of the nest and mate. After mating, the newly minted kings and queens descend to the ground, get rid of their wings and form new colonies.
What damage can termites cause?
In their natural environment, termites do not cause any harm to trees. Rather, on the contrary, they accelerate the process of decomposition of rotten stumps and dry, dying trees, which is why they are even considered forest orderlies. For this reason, termites that are close to a person are especially attracted to the smell of a “dead” tree, and the proximity to these insects can bring a lot of problems:
- damage to wooden furniture;
- violation of the integrity of wooden supports and ceilings in the house;
- the spread of pathogens of dangerous infectious diseases;
- painful bites that can cause a severe allergic reaction in humans.
How do people fight termites?
It is very difficult to fight termites, as these small insects try not to contact people, and spend almost all the time in their tunnels.
The most effective way to deal with pests is to call in insect exterminators, but this will entail a considerable amount of money.
Conclusion
The period of use of wooden products affected by termites is significantly reduced, and even the complete destruction of these small pests will no longer save the situation. To prevent such problems, you should use a quality tree that has been pre-treated with special means to prevent the appearance of termites, or after purchase, process it yourself.
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