If you’re like most homeowners, the thought of termites nesting in your home is pretty terrifying. Unfortunately, termites are a common pest found in many homes throughout the United States. These small insects can cause significant damage, so it’s essential to identify them and know how to deal with an infestation. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at termites and their nests and provide tips on getting rid of them.
What are Termite Nests?
Termite nests are the homes of these pests. Termites built these fascinating structures to house their colony. The size and location of the nest will depend on the species of termite. These nests can be quite large, sometimes reaching up to 30 feet in diameter! That is as big as the Giant Eyeball in the heart of Downtown Dallas, Texas. Some termites build their nests entirely underground, while others may build above-ground nests made out of wood or other materials.
What do Termite Nests Look Like?
Termite nests take many different forms, depending on the species of termite. However, all termite nests share some common features. First, they are all made of a material known as a termite barrier. The termites produce this material and helps protect the nest from predators and other elements. Second, all termite nests have a network of tunnels that allows the termites to travel back and forth between the nest and their food source. All termite nests contain a central chamber where the termites lay their eggs. This chamber is typically located near the bottom of the nest and is protected by several layers of termite barrier.
What Makes Up Termite Nests?
Termite nests are made of various materials, depending on the termite species. Some termites build their nests entirely out of wood, while others use a combination of mud, saliva, and fecal matter. They use their saliva to glue the poop and wood together. Though it looks like a solid structure, they are incredibly porous, and its walls are filled with tiny holes that allow outside air to enter.
Types of Termite Nests
There are four main types of termite nests: subterranean, arboreal, mounds, and wood nesters,
Subterranean Nests: Subterranean nests are the most common type of nest built entirely underground. These nests typically have a network of tunnels that allow the termites to travel back and forth between the nest and their food source.
Arboreal Nests: The arboreal nest is generally connected to another part of the colony in the root crowns of the tree. Shelter tubes are one of its characteristics and are often found outside tree trunks. These mud-covered tubes provide termites with moisture as they travel between the ground and their arboreal nest.
Mounds: Mounds are small hills that termites construct around the entrances to their nests. The termites use the mound to regulate the temperature and humidity of their nest and protect themselves from predators. In some cases, mounds can be more than 20 feet tall and 50 feet wide. The termites that live in these mounds are very social insects, living in colonies that can contain millions of termites. The termites build the mounds by excavating soil from beneath the ground and depositing it on the surface. This process is known as mound building and requires a great deal of cooperation among the termites. Mound building is an amazing feat of engineering, and it is one of the many things that make termites such fascinating creatures.
Wood Nesters: Wood nesters are a type of termite that build their nests entirely out of wood. These termites typically live in damp, dark places, such as basements, crawl spaces, and attics. Wood nesters are the most likely type of termite to cause damage to homes, as they will eat the wood that makes up the house's structure. Wood nesters are also known as dry wood termites and are major pests in many parts of the world. If you think you have a problem with wood nesters, it is important to contact a professional exterminator as soon as possible. These termites can cause great damage to your home if they are not dealt with on time.
How Big are Termite Nests?
The size of a termite nest depends on the species of termite and the type of nest. For example, some subterranean nests can be more than 20 feet deep and 50 feet wide, while others, such as arboreal nests, are much smaller. The nest size also depends on the number of termites in the colony. A small colony of termites may only have a few hundred members, while a large colony can contain millions of termites.
How to Get Rid of Termites?
If you think you have a termite problem, it is important to contact a professional exterminator as soon as possible. These insects can cause a great deal of damage to your home if they are not dealt with in a timely manner. The sooner you get rid of the termites, the less damage they will be able to do.
Professional exterminators have the experience and knowledge to quickly and efficiently eliminate termites. They will also be able to advise you on how to prevent termites from returning in the future. So if you have a termite problem, don’t hesitate to call a professional today.