Termites are close cousins of ants and they destroy furniture, walls, etc. Termites are hard to spot with the naked eye but the destruction they spread is often apparent before you can see the critters themselves.
There are multiple termite species yet there are some similarities in their lifecycle, nature and body characteristics. To know how to get rid of these pests you can contact the best termite control in Kolkata. They will help to rid your home of the presence of termites.
What do termites look like?
There are at least 2000 species of termites and they all have subtle differences. Here’s how you can identify termites.
- Termites are typically between ¼ to ½ an inch long
- They have soft bodies and straight antennae.
- The head region of termites is very hard and thick. Moreover, their mandibles are also very powerful. They may have beads attached to their antennae.
- The body of termites is too thick and their abdomen has a blunt end.
- Termite wings are white or transparent, thin and equal in length.
- Colour of the termite depends on the species and caste. Subterranean workers and soldiers have a pale or cream colour. Workers, on the other hand, have larger amber or orange coloured heads. Subterranean reproductive ants have dark-coloured bodies.
What are the different castes of termites?
There are 3 different castes of termites, classified according to their purpose. The three castes are:
- Alates
- Workers
- Soldiers
Alates are reproductive termites that leave the colony to mate and look for a new nesting site. They pair up during the rainy season and leave the colony. Then they shed their wings and become subterranean termites (nesting in the soil) or dry wood termites (nesting in trees).
Worker termites have soft bodies with no wings or eyes. They are sterile and the younger termites take care of the young, while the older ones are responsible for the excavating and building of tunnels while searching for food.
Soldier termites protect the nest from attack and are typically smaller than the other termites. They differ from species to species and their mandibles depend on their species.
You can ask for the best termite control in Kolkata to help you get rid of the termites from the inside out.
How to determine if you have a termite problem?
Here’s how you can determine if there is a termite problem at your place:
- Remains of termite wings
- A clicking sound made by the termites
- Termite droppings called frass are pushed out of the nests.
- Tap the walls and check if there is a hollow sound, it might be made hollow because of the termite eating through the wood.
Takeaway
- Termites live in colonies and are of three main types.
- You can get rid of termites by calling the best termite control in Kolkata.
- Get the professionals to determine if you have a termite problem.
In conclusion, termites are critters that cause a lot of problems in the household but they do not attack foodstuffs. They attack wooden furniture and infrastructure. Hence, to protect your home against the same, you should opt for professional services.