Nobody wants to hear the news that they have termites munching on the structure of their home! However, despite the nuisance and financial burden they can cause, termites are actually very interesting insects. Let's take a look at a few interesting facts about termites.
All Hail The Queen!
Termite colonies are ruled by a queen. These queens can live for an average of 15 years, although some have been recorded as living for 30 years or more! The queen can produce hundreds, if not thousands, of eggs daily, which is how termite colonies grow so quickly. As you can imagine, the sooner you arrange termite treatment in Knoxville, TN, the better! The longer you ignore the problem, the larger the colony will grow and the more significant the damage to your property will be.
The Role of the King
The termite queen cannot rule her kingdom alone; while she is responsible for the colony's growth, the king also plays a crucial role. Not only does he fertilize the queen's eggs, but he will also take on a father role and help feed the young termites as they grow. The king will be a lifelong mate to the queen.
Broken Wings
You may already be aware that termite swarmers leave their own colony in search of somewhere to build new colonies. Seeing discarded wings is one of the crucial signs that you are in need of termite treatment in Knoxville. However, you might not be aware that these swarmers are the young kings and queens leaving the colony, searching for a mate. Once they have found their mate, they will break off their wings and turn their attention to growing a strong colony of their own. In Knoxville, TN, swarming typically occurs in the spring or after heavy rains, when the air is warm and humid. Spotting swarmers on your property strongly indicates that an active colony is close, so you should take it as a sign to arrange termite treatment in Knoxville, TN, sooner rather than later.
Walking With Dinosaurs
Did you know that termites have been around for around 130 million years? That means they were on the earth at the same time as the dinosaurs of the Cretaceous period, including the likes of Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus Rex! Despite this, you may be surprised to know that termites are not the oldest insect species! That title belongs to an ancient ancestor of the silverfish, which has been around for approximately 400 million years!
Keeping It Clean!
It is common for humans to see any creepy crawly as inherently dirty! However, termites are actually incredibly hygienic. Cleanliness is crucial to their survival, and they spend much time grooming each other to ensure there are no parasites or harmful bacteria that could endanger them.
Most Termites Are Blind
The majority of termites are completely blind. Soldiers and Workers perform all their tasks in the dark, so sight is unnecessary for them. They primarily communicate using pheromones with scents unique to each colony. Pheromone trails can be used to guide the workers so they do not get lost. The exception to the rule are the kings and queens who have sight while they are searching for their mate.
How Do Termites Eat?
It's common knowledge that termites chew through wood and other materials that are rich in cellulose. Seeing this damage is one of the warning signs that let you know it's time to seek termite treatment in Knoxville, TN. However, you might not know how they manage to eat these materials. It starts with their incredibly strong jaws, which they use to chew the materials. Inside their guts, termites host a complex community of protozoa, bacteria, and sometimes fungi that help break down cellulose into simpler compounds they can absorb for nutrition. Termites share gut microbes by feeding on each other's feces or regurgitated food. This process, called proctodeal trophallaxis, ensures that all colony members, especially the young, acquire the microbes they need to digest cellulose.
While termites can seriously threaten your home, they're also fascinating creatures with complex social structures and incredible survival strategies. From royal pairs ruling over thousands, to ancient roots that trace back to the time of dinosaurs, termites are far more than just household pests—they're nature's engineers with a surprisingly sophisticated lifestyle. Still, no matter how interesting they are, a termite infestation is not something to take lightly. If you've seen any signs of termite activity—like discarded wings, mud tubes, or wood damage—it's essential to act quickly. Termite treatment in Knoxville, TN offers professional solutions to protect your home and prevent these tiny invaders from causing significant damage. Don't wait until the colony grows—schedule an inspection today and keep your home safe.
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Otis Termite & Pest Control is a full-service pest control company with a focus on outstanding service. We have been serving the East Tennessee area for over 56 years and our reputation is built on prompt and effective service. We’re good at what we do and we’re fast. We do the job right the first time – and that’s an actual guarantee!
Call 865.690.1662 or visit www.otispestcontrol.net.