Both carpenter ants and worker termites can do damage to your furniture and home.
Identifying which is which however is important for you to get the right help
and treatment. Although a specialist normally knows what a termite looks like,
your early detection can help provide immediate and proper attention.
A Subterranean Termites
Not everyone knows what a subterranean termite looks like but it is important
to know exactly what they look like because they can cause serious damage
to your home. There are many different species of termites which may further
muddle your idea of how a termite looks like.
A
termite
colony can be composed of several groups: soldier termites,
swarmers or reproductives and worker termites. Not every termite looks like a
grain of rice but a lot of them do. Soldiers however have mandibles while reproductives
have wings. The worker termite looks like a reproductive but is smaller
and has no wings. They are the most numerous in a colony and are the main wood
eaters.
Swarmer Ants and Termites
The presence of swarmer termites is usually one of the first signs that
there may be a termite infestation in your home. This is because swarmers are
the ones who propagate termite colonies. Some think that a swarmer termite looks
like a flying ant. The truth is that there are major differences.
An
ant's body is composed of a head, a slim abdomen and a thorax. A termite looks
like it only has a head and a straight body.
As far as looks are
concerned, both termites and ants share the same number of wings: four. Ants
however have longer front than rear wings and have apparent vein marks. Termites
have four wings of equal length that are far longer than the body and do not
have vein marks.
Ants also have slightly bent antennae that may end
in some sort of a small club. Termites on the other hand have beaded antennae that
do not bend and have no club-like ends and point away from the body.
Where Swarmers Stay
There is no need for much concern if you find swarmers outside your house.
These swarmers may just possibly be blown with the wind. Swarmers are also
not the main termite wood eaters. You should be a little concerned though if
you notice a number of swarmer ants flying away from your house and from cracks,
windows and woodwork. You may have some form of termite infestation.
Getting Help
Termites are notoriously difficult to get rid of. Extensive infestations
may not be effectively and safely treated by just gas or ordinary insect spray.
You may have to ask for some expert help. Experts may use chemical treatment
in which termicide is applied on wood and other house areas to prevent termites
from invading the house structure. The baiting technique may also be used in
which chemicals are spread throughout the colony through wood baits carrying
chemicals.
Discover what a termite looks like. It may just save your home and property! Hire
the best termite control company nearest you.Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Don_Pellis
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