Termites, also known as white ants, are fascinating creatures. While termites and ants are sometimes mistaken for each other, they belong to entirely different insect groups.
We delighted you with fascinating facts about Termites last year. There is so much more to Termites and thought you’d enjoy these facts about them as well.
Good for nature
Termites serve as a natural recycling system, helping to break down fallen trees and dead wood into nutrient-rich soil that helps other plants to grow. They only cause trouble when invading a residential area. Otherwise, they are an important part of our ecosystem.
Smart air conditioning systems
Some termites have developed an incredibly efficient method of climate control in the form of tall, above-ground mounds that sit above their nests. Organized around a central chimney, the structures essentially act as giant lungs, “breathing” air in and out as the temperature outside changes in relation to the temperature inside. Thanks to these convection cycles, termites keep underground temperatures in their nest between roughly 28°C and 32°C.
Termite queens have a long life span
Termite queens have the longest lifespan of any insect in the world. Some termite queens may live between 30 and 50 years, reproducing annually and founding numerous colonies.
Fastest animal movement
Most people know that cheetahs are the fastest animals on earth, being able to reach speeds of over 120km per hour, but Termites tops the list when it comes to fastest movement. Panamanian termites can clap their mandibles shut at a whopping speed of 250kms per hour!
Unusual relatives
Despite looking like ants, Termites are closely related to the cockroach. The link between cockroaches and termites is not necessarily a new discovery. As early as 1934, entomologist L.R. Cleveland hypothesized that termites might share a common ancestry, or phylogeny, with wood-eating cockroaches (Cryptocercus).
Termites might be fascinating creatures, but they are still a big nuisance when you have an infestation at your home. Termite treatment begins with a thorough termite inspection to determine the extent of the infestation, points of entry into the structure, moisture problems and the development of a plan of control. Contact Us today to do a proper inspection of your home and apply the best solution to rid you of these pesky (but fascinating) critters.
