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TERMITE FACTS

Termite are small soft bodied insects, commonly referred to as white ants. Althuogh they look similiar to ants,they are not related. There are many species of termitesin malaysia.

Some are important recylers of dead and decaying timber, other feed on grasses, while only a few species cause economic damage to timber.

these economically significant species of subterranean termite travel through soil as they constantly forage for and evaluate the size and quality of potential food resources. They seek out cellulose, the primary component of wood. They feed on fallen or dead trees, and benefit the environment by recycling nutrients from them. Unfortunately, termite also find timberin service in houses very attactive, and cause significant damage as a result.

They have the potential to be present in a building for several years with few obvious sign of activity. Termites form large nests or colonies, within which individual members (milions in some cases) work tirelessly to ensure it survives and flourishes. There are several castes within the colony, with clearly defined workloads and responsibilities:

Termite Queen

REPRODUCTIVIES (Queen, king & Alates): Every year, when conditions are favourable (warm, humid weather), thousands of winged alates are released from mature colonies-they fly out and are attracted by light sources. A small number survive, mate as King and Queen and perpetuate the species in a new colony. In some cases, the Queen can live for morethan 25 years and produce over 2000 eggs daily.

WORKERS: The majority of termites are workers. Cream in colour, they build and maintain the nest, search for food and distribute it within the colony, tend the young and eat or bury the dead. They make telltale mud shelter tubes and cause the damage to timber.

SOLDIERS: Relatively few in number, they are ressponsibe for the protection of defenceless colony members from predators. With characteristic fighting mouthparts, they will often sacrifice themselves to the colony.

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