Archive for 'tropical pest'

Termites are not just structural pests to control

Termite Gut Microbial Bioreactors

When the word “termite” is mentioned, “pest control” almost always comes to mind for most of us.  But do you know that the same capability that made termites pests to our homes also contributes to our well-being? In nature, termites break down wood that may otherwise remain as wood for a very long time.  Imagine a world where dead trees and other plant materials pile up and ecosystem processes hampered because no animal is capable of digesting cellulose.  Decomposing wood makes nutrients that are locked in trees available…

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What are Termites?

wood damaged by termites

Termites are soft-bodied insects, also commonly known as “white ants” but are actually very different from and distantly related to ants. They belong to different groups of insects: termites are Isopterans that are closely related to another group of pests, the cockroaches; while ants are grouped with bees and wasps in Hymenoptera. Termites are generally light-colored, and have fore wings and hind wings that are about the same size and shape and lay flat against the back. These wings are one of the signs of termite infestation when…

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Termite Control is the answer

Elin Nordegren's mansion courtesy of Pacific Coast News

Termites was the answer to the question: Why did Tiger Woods’ ex-wife level a $12 million mansion?  All the speculations about the reason behind a seemingly whimsical act of Elin Nordegren came down to the reality that a tiny insect pest can ruin a beautiful mansion. Yes, termites can do that to any building from the smallest of shacks to the palatial mansions, and termite control is the answer to this problem in subtropical and tropical urban areas. The culprit could be the eastern subterranean termite or the…

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