Termites can cause more damage than all natural disasters combined, but their lack of physical size makes them a tough match for humans. They’re extremely sophisticated and their social structure allows them to reproduce and thrive in a variety of different climates. Yes people, they are right here in Middlesex and Hillsborough County and they could be threatening your home without you knowing. Learn a little more about the little destroyers»

Origins

  • Termites and their unique social structure date back long before ants.
  • The original termites, which could have seen dinosaurs, have not evolved much over their thousands of years on earth.
  • It’s estimated that the first termites started to arrive during the Triassic Era– millions of years before ants.

Social Structure

  • Termites have a unique social structure that has allowed them to thrive.
  • Termites embody all of the traits that are necessary to be considered a social insect. They have group integration, division of labour, and overlap of generations.
  • Much like ants, termites have specific jobs throughout their colonies. There are burrowers who build the colonies. Foragers who bring in food. Miners who create room-like crevasses in wood. And of course, queens that keep the colony alive for generations to come.
  • One queen can give birth to thousands or even MILLIONS of young during her lifetime.  

Diversity

  • There are believed to be around 2500-3000 different termite species living throughout the world.
  • They are on every continent, in every country, and in every forest throughout the world. However, they do tend to thrive in more moderate climates because of the moisture.
  • The oldest known termite species is the Mastoremes darwinienisis, or the Giant Northern Termite of Australia.

How to Combat Them

  • Have regular inspections.
  • Keep firewood at least twenty-five feet away from your home.
  • Inspect fire wood before bringing into your home.
  • Schedule plumbing inspections to search for hidden leaks in walls and floors. The moisture attracts termites.

Here at Pest Control Unlimited, we can handle pest problems of all sizes and severities. With the winter weather subsiding and the Spring weather soon to come, we all need to start preparing for termite season.

To schedule an inspection, call 888-649-9919 or click around on our website!