What do termites look like and how to get rid of them?

It is worth noting that not everyone knows exactly what termites look like. Many people also lack knowledge about what means exist to get rid of them. These pests are also called white ants because of their external resemblance to those. Termites feed on dead plant material: fallen leaves and trees. In the tropics and subtropical regions, these insects are quite serious and dangerous pests. Their appearance in an apartment, a house (especially a wooden one), a bathhouse, in a vegetable garden, as well as in a country house and even a small garden plot can have extremely negative consequences.

It has long been a well-known fact that termites are closely related to such ancient insects as cockroaches, in particular with their woody species. More specifically, the creatures in question belong to the order known as Blattodea. More recently, these insects were assigned to the order Isoptera, which at the moment has managed to transform into a suborder. As a result, we can conclude that the so-called white ants are social cockroaches.

The record in this case belongs to the queen of the species Macrotermes Bellicosus and is 100 mm. Representatives of Gyatermes Styriensis also reached gigantic proportions, but this species has not survived to this day. Those insects lived on the territory of modern Austria in the Miocene era, and their wingspan reached 76 mm with a body length of 25 mm.

It should be noted that most of the soldiers and workers of the colonies, in contrast to the winged individuals of both sexes, are blind due to the lack of eyes. Of course, there are exceptions, which include representatives of the species Hodotermes Mossambicus. A distinctive feature of these termites are complex eyes, which are successfully used to orient themselves in space and distinguish sunlight.

Termite antennas deserve special attention. They perform certain functions, the list of which includes a definition:

• touches;
• vibrations;
• temperature fluctuations;
• tastes;
• odors.

The ribcage of white ants, like most other insects, is divided into three sections (matatorax, mesothorax, and prothorax), each of which has two legs. Winged male and female members of the colony have wings located in the area of ​​the first two sections. The organs responsible for reproductive function are in many ways similar to cockroaches, but at the same time they are simplified. We are talking, for example, about the absence of a genital organ in males.

Termites in colonies have caste division. At the same time, wingless individuals belonging to non-productive castes are forced to rely solely on their 6 legs for movement. At the same time, winged termites make only short-term flights, and therefore they also often have to strain their legs. The appearance of the limbs in almost all insects is the same.

If we compare white ants with ordinary ants, then it is worth noting that the former have the hind and front wings of the same size. As already noted, the described insects are not the best pilots.Typically, they simply launch themselves into the air and move in a random direction. In flight, the wings are perpendicular to the body, and at rest, they are parallel to it.

Termites are detritivores that consume dead plants at all stages of decomposition. It should be emphasized that these insects play an important role in the ecosystem, as they process plants, dead wood and even feces. However, many species of white ants feed on cellulose. To do this, they use the middle intestine, which is capable of fully digesting fiber. In the process of eating cellulose, the termites produce methane, which is released into the atmosphere.

It is not so often possible to see these insects, since they are active mainly in the dark. Termites do not tolerate daylight well, and to move they use the passages they create in wood and earth. They live in nests of three varieties:

• aboveground, while they are sometimes quite high;
• underground, completely hidden from view;
• combined (mixed).

These termite hideouts serve several important functions. First of all, they are the home for the entire colony. Secondly, the termite mound provides reliable protection to its inhabitants from predators and other dangers.

Most often, termites prefer to build underground shelters, much less often opting for mounds.... Primitive representatives of species, as a rule, equip their nests directly in logs, stumps, hollows and fallen trees, following the example of their ancestors.

The appearance of termites directly depends on their species characteristics, as well as their habitat. Another important factor is the place occupied by an insect in the caste system of its colony. At the same time, the following common features can be distinguished for pests inhabiting the territory of the former USSR.

• Dimensions (edit) fluctuate in the range from 4 to 13 mm.
• Body visually divided into two segments, one of which is a large head with elongated antennae, and the second is a teardrop-shaped body.
• Insects, belonging to the category (caste) of workers, have white bodies and outwardly look more like grown larvae.
• The soldiers have a dark brown color and a rather large, massive head, which is "decorated" with impressive mandibles. They are the tools for protection.
• Regal persons colonies look like well-fed larvae with the head of adult termites. Their only mission is to reproduce the community directly within the nest.
• Reproductive individuals is characterized by a rigid body, and they can be almost black in color. Termites belonging to this caste acquire wings at certain times, which allows them to quickly move in search of a new place for a colony.

At the moment, scientists know more than 3000 species of termites. However, only 3 of them can be found in the Russian Federation. The first is the yellow-necked termite, which has the following features:

• alternative names - yellow-bellied, yellow-breasted;
• in the Russian Federation, it is found on the Black Sea coast (Sochi and along the coast to the south);
• pests settle mainly in drying or decaying wood, and also occupy tree stumps and hollows;
• in colonies there are from several hundred to two thousand individuals;
• when the condition of the wood meets the needs of termites, insects settle in wooden buildings;
• flight falls from July to September.

The next domestic representative of the family is the Far Eastern, aka Japanese or white ant.

• On the territory of the Russian Federation the insect can be found in the Vladivostok region, which was the reason for the appearance of the specified name.
• Most likely to enter the city by sea from Japan, China and several other countries, the territory and climate of which are most favorable for them. This is indicated by the fact that pests are most often found closer to the port area.
• Colonies settle in fallen trees, as well as in stumps, heaps of boards. Another object of the settlement can be wooden residential and other buildings. Part of the termite mound is in the wood, and part is in the ground.
• Years in this variety falls on the interval from May to July.

The third type of termites that live in the Russian Federation is the photophobia (also called harmful and European). In this case, it is worth highlighting the following important points.

• In Russian federation parasites are common in the territories between the Caucasus and Volgograd, as well as the Caspian and Black seas.
• Nests these white ants prefer to settle underground (up to half a meter deep) and place them mainly under trees, shrubs, grass and hemp. Often they live in greenhouses.
• In some cases, nearby colonies visually combine, forming at the same time truly giant termite mounds.
• Years in this species falls on the period from late April to late May.

As in situations with any other insects, when white ants appear in a dwelling or on an area, the owners immediately have a question about the potential danger. It should be noted that insects, which represent the soldier caste, are capable of biting. Despite the rather formidable appearance of mite mandibles, they are used by their owners exclusively to protect the colony from enemies and when fighting for territory. An insect can injure (bite) a person only if it ravages a termite mound with its bare hands. He is not interested in living organisms as food.

According to the data available to date, termites are not carriers of diseases dangerous to humans. On the other hand, it should be borne in mind that the very contact with insects, as well as their waste products (excrement, traces of molting, habitats) can provoke serious allergic reactions.

Mold is one of the major health problems associated with pests. As you know, for the settlement, they try to choose a humid environment that will be ideal for the spread of the fungus. It is also important to note that the controversy spreads to the bodies of soldiers and workers. Long-term inhalation of these very spores has an extremely negative effect on the human body and animals.

But the pests under consideration pose the greatest danger to products and structures made of wood. While settling inside wood, termites carry the same potentially harmful spores into it. Another important feature is that the colony is able to practically not manifest itself for quite a long time. This will cause significant damage. And such a period can last until the beginning of the flight, when a significant part of the material or structure will be seriously damaged.

At the first signs that the described relatives of cockroaches are in the apartment, own house, or just on the site, it is necessary to take appropriate measures. It is important to remember that if you miss the moment, it will be much more difficult to get rid of termites. Today, these pests can be destroyed in the following ways:

• folk remedies;
• chemical compositions;
• using traps;
• services of specialized services.

Effective control of the described harmful insects often begins with the use of potent agents. Modern technology has allowed manufacturers of such formulations to create effective tools that can withstand even the most numerous and developed termite colonies. To date, drugs are available in the following forms.

• Liquid insecticides - these are agents that most often cannot fully cope with large colonies of the considered pests. These drugs are used as an impregnation for furniture items or when creating barriers around the perimeter of buildings. The slow-acting poison after termites enters the body causes paralysis.
• Granulesthat are effective in outdoor pest control.
• Foamed products, with which you can block the passages of the termite mound for soldiers and workers. Without food delivered by these castes, the colony will inevitably perish.
• Powders, providing a real opportunity to remove insects at home.

You can try using boric acid. She is able to rid housing of pests, but this process will require a significant time investment. When choosing specific tools to combat these insects, you should pay attention to the following options.

• Carpenter Ant & Termite Killer Aerosol Spray - aerosol, with which you can quickly destroy part of the termite mound.
• Termidor SC Termiticide - a liquid agent that destroys termites, while creating an effective protective barrier. Its use can lead to the death of the entire colony. The disadvantage in this case will be the relatively high cost.
• Termidor Foam - foam, which, according to the instructions, can be used to remove termites in apartments, wooden houses, baths and other rooms.

If you identify the presence of termites in a timely manner, then you can cope with this scourge without the use of potent chemicals. And we are not talking about making some kind of miraculous anti-termite mixture. The destruction of pests is possible in simpler ways.

• Freezing... This means placing (if possible) contaminated items in the freezer for 1-2 days. Naturally, it is unlikely that you will be able to find equipment of the appropriate size at home.
• Attracting nematodes to the site, which are the most dangerous enemies of white ants.
• Liquid nitrogen application, which is introduced into infected places through pre-made holes. This should be done with the utmost care.

As practice shows, a rather effective way of fighting is the use of natural enemies of termites. So, in African countries, lizards, arachnids, insects and even individual mammals live in the diet of termites. For example, in the southern regions of the Russian Federation, you can attract birds, as well as:

• bats;
• frogs;
• bees;
• dragonflies;
• centipedes.

In addition to all of the above, the list of pest enemies includes cockroaches, mice, snakes, foxes and even bears. However, such allies are unlikely to be a rational solution.

Preventive measures and manipulations will protect the home and any other buildings, as well as the garden and vegetable garden from the attacks of termites. When evaluating the most effective prevention measures, it is strongly recommended to pay attention to the following important points.

• If possible then the foundation of the house is erected as high as possible above ground level.
• It is worth equipping the perimeter of buildings gutterto prevent soil moisture.
• Experts recommend clarify, what types of wood are used in construction and decoration. Some termites are less likely to eat.
• When erecting brick walls, you must use protective film, which is quite effective in preventing pests from entering the house.
• To reduce the humidity inside the room, it is possible along the perimeter of the building dig a trench and cover it with sand that has previously been treated with insecticides.
• Particular attention is required to be paid to the integrity of the sewer and water mains. Any leaks can cause termites. Drains should be cleaned as often as possible.
• It is important to organize indoors high-quality ventilation with the aim of the most effective fight against excess moisture.
• Wooden fences are best installed on concrete foundations, which will avoid contact of the tree with the ground.
• Outdoor structures and decorative elements made of wood, processed with special means (coatings), preventing the penetration of termites.
• All crevices and cracks formed on the outside must timely and efficiently close up... It is recommended to use modern sealants.
• To keep termites as far as possible from a residential building and any other buildings, when carrying out finishing work in facade paint or cement it is worth injecting permethrin (0.1%). To prepare a solution of the desired concentration, one large spoon will be enough for a bucket of water.
• Storing firewood and wooden products near the dwelling in the context of the considered preventive measures is unacceptable... It is recommended to cover such structures with sealed materials in order to prevent getting wet during rains and under snow.
• In apartments and houses in summer high-quality mosquito nets should be installed on the windows.
• If possible it is worth transplant bushes and treeslocated too close to the house, bathhouse and other structures.
• In the process of watering areas near buildings, it is desirable keep water out of the walls... Otherwise, the risk of moisture absorption, which attracts insects, increases.

Experts recommend using combined methods of pest control. In parallel, attention should be paid to the processing of wood with antiseptics that can repel pests.