Termites are becoming a big threat to most farmers. These eat up the crops in the gardens, Farm structures and also the stored produce. Their social way of life can lead to a huge loss to the farmer once there is no attention being put up to deal with them. This calls for one’s quick intervasion in dealing with them.
But first what is a Termite? Although there are different definitions of a termite, some of the acceptable definitions include but not limited to the following:
Termites are eusocial insects that are classified at the taxonomic rank of infraorder Isoptera, or as epifamily Termitoidae within the order Blattodea.
Termites can also be defined as winged insects that feed on dead and decaying plant material. This often includes wood, which makes many of them pests that cause considerable damage to houses.
Subterranean termites dig tunnels underground, are the largest in size, have the largest colonies, and do the most damage to houses.
Termites eat up the root system of crops leading to falling and drying of the farm crops.
The good news is that there are measures both inorganic and organically to deal with termites.
Althoug a termite is best described as a wood destroying insect. They are sometimes are mistakenly referred to as white ants, but they are far from it.
Termite-damaged wood has soil lining the feeding galleries
Basically, Drywood termites, as their name suggests, live mainly in dry wood. They can be in foundations, window and door frames in your home without being visible for ages. They feed on any piece of wood found around your home from furniture to skirting boards.
It is necessary to look for signs of termites in your home. If you know drywood termites are in the neighborhood it’s a good idea to make regular checks around your house or apartment to catch them as early as possible and prevent termite damage to your home.
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Although termites primarily feed on wood, they can also damage paper, books, insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. Termites can injure living trees and shrubs, but more often are a secondary invader of woody plants already in decline.
While termites may infest buildings at any time, they are particularly relevant when buying or selling a home since a termite inspection/infestation report is normally a condition of sale.
Besides the monetary impact, thousands of winged termites emerging inside one’s home are an emotionally trying experience — not to mention the thought of termites silently feasting on one’s largest investment.
Termite damage sometimes appears similar to water damage. Outward signs of termite damage include buckling wood, swollen floors and ceilings, areas that appear to be suffering from slight water damage and visible mazes within walls or furniture. Termite infestations also can exude a scent similar to mildew or mold.
Now let us discuss about the organic and inorganic measures of controlling termite:
Organic Termite Control Measures
This includes preventive measures and curative measures to deal with termites
Using white vinegar
This can be used along with lemon juice
Procedure
*Get 1/2 a cup of vinegar and two lemons and get the juice out of them
*Mix them together and spray where there termites
Other methods used
- Planting sisal around the anti hill
- Directing running water into the anti hill
- Using kigeria fruits(sausage tree fruits
*Open the anti hill
*Pour 20 litres of water into the anti hill
*Chop the kigeria fruits and pour them in the anti hill
*Cover the antihill - Using pig ofals (intestines)
- Open the antihill
- Pour 20 litres of water into it
- Pour pig of also and cover it
Inorganic Termite Control Measures
Mixing different chemicals can deal with termites
- Mixing duo dip , strika and parrafin
Pour the soln into the antihill and wait for just 10minutes all the termites will have died
And also due to the strong smell in the antihill will kill those that have moved into the soil arround the antihill. 2. Anti killers can kill termites
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According to a recent research, below are some of the damages that termites cause on daily basis:
(1) Damage to the Wall
It is very common for walls to get damaged by termites as these are among their most favorite habitats.
The good thing is that this can be controlled with the help of proper inspection. A good Arizona pest control provider will provide you details on the extent of damage the termites have already caused to the wall suggest possible treatments.
Some common areas include wood piles, loose wooden paneling and damp areas. It is important to address these issues before the termites cause any more damage.
(2) Carpet Infestation
Termites love to live close to wood; however, they have been found in cellulose-based materials as well including carpets, photograph frames and books.
They reproduce in early summer and in late spring give birth to new colonies. These multiply at a quick rate and often find space under the carpet. These are normally found at the corners sticking to the carpet.
They do not usually cause much damage to it other than some marks; however, carpets serve as a great place for them to grow which is why it is important to be careful.
(3) Termite Foundation Damage
Termites can cause long lasting damage to the foundation of your home or office. Subterranean termites, one of the most common types of termites in America, are known for their destructive natures.
They live underground and are known to forage in soil in order to find food. Exposed gaps or wood underground allows these termites to cause damage to a property’s foundation. It may take time but the damage can be extensive and must be controlled.
As per most Arizona pest control providers one of the best options is to have a relevant solution to this problem. Some common solutions include the use of pesticide to treat the soil. Plus, bait may also be used to catch and remove termites. Many experts also suggest installing an aluminum layer to prevent infestation.
In addition to these termites can damage your ceiling and laminate flooring as well. To sum it up, they are dangerous for the whole house as almost every corner of your house is open to them.
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