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 _HABITS |
Termite damage is usually first seen at or near the ground. However, damage can occur far above ground if the infestation has remained undetected for a long period. Termite-damaged wood contains mud tubes and the galleries are lined with soil. Termite damage is sometimes located in wood adjacent to heaters or fireplaces. Perhaps, the soil in these areas remains at higher temperatures during the winter, or the drainage around fireplaces is poor and the soil remains moist for long periods.
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 _LIFE CYCLE |
 A mature queen can lay thousands of eggs each year. Eggs are tended by worker termites. The nymph hatches directly from the egg. Attendants feed nymphs regurgitated food for the first two weeks, enabling them to grow. They will become workers, soldiers, reproductives, or supplementary reproductives. In a really big nest, a queen and king termite may live for 15 years, and, for much of her life, the queen will lay one egg every 15 seconds.
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 _SIGNS OF INFESTATION |
 Damaged wood, mud tunnels, sawdust, swarms, termite wings. It is good practice to inspect buildings after each rainy season (at least once a year by a professional and twice a year by a homeowner).
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 __DISCOURAGING TERMITE ACTIVITY |
There are several things you can do as a home owner to help prevent or avoid termite infestations including:
- Stack all firewood, lumber or other wooden items, several feet away from your building.
- Keep all wood supports of porches, patios, decks, or separate buildings more than one foot from contact with your home's foundation; and use only pressure-treated wood for all construction which contacts the ground. Even treated wood has a limited protection period.
- Move all wood-containing mulch (even cedar or redwood) and decorative wood chips at least one foot away from your foundation. Sand and stones can be just as attractive and they discourage pest (including termite) harborage next to your building.
- Repair any leaking water lines or fixtures, especially any that wet any wooden part(s) of your house. Repair any eaves, downspouts, gables, or shingles which allow wooden parts of your house to get wet even occasionally.
- Monitor moisture levels and take steps to reduce moisture buildup in any crawl spaces.
- Relocate any frequently watered garden or flower bed as far away from your home's perimeter as you can.
- Change your outdoor lights from white bulbs to some yellow or pale amber, especially during the Spring, to reduce attraction of any night-swarming termites near your house.
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__OTHER INFORMATION |
More on Drywood Termites, more on Subterranean Termites
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What does the Encyclopedia have to say about termites? Click on the book to the left to find out!
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