A termite’s species determines its location in the world. And within that world location each individual species has a common habitat, though it might take on a different shape or form. Some examples of specific nests are: the Drywood termite lives in dry wood, and subterranean termites live underground or in damp areas above ground.
Nests for Homes
While their exact ways of living are determined by their species, most termites build nests as a home. These nests are made up of a combination of soil, mud, chewed wood/cellulose, saliva and feces. Within the nests are various chambers including a reproductive chamber where supplemental reproductives can reproduce in. Some species also maintain fungal gardens that feed on plant matter. While a nest provides a protected area for termites to live in, it also is able to collect water via condensation through the porous nest walls. The nests are also able to provide a carbon dioxide/oxygen balance, as well as termite “air conditioning.”
Taking it Underground
Usually nests are built underground or often found in larger pieces of fallen trees. Both of these options provide termites to go undetected by remaining “invisible.” This is why they are able to cause large amounts of damage in seemingly short amounts of time. By the time you have noticed termite damage signs it is usually too late. While termites usually build hidden nests, some species have been known to build nests above ground – the nests essentially become mounds – these mounds can grow up to 9 meters tall!
Dense Nests
Because the nests are usually hidden, it’s hard to imagine just how dense a termite population can be – within just one square meter of a mound there can be tens of thousands of termites. Each termite species builds a different mound shape. Some termite species actually build mounds that have elaborate sculptured forms.
Need help in Scottsdale? Visit Scottsdale Termite Control.
Contact Info:
Arizona Termite Control
625 W. Southern Ave
Suite #E-230
Mesa AZ 85210
(480) 582-0996
License # 8918
