Termites

Tulsa OK Professional Termite Pest Control

Termites are small insects that feed on cellulose-based materials, such as paperboard, trees, plants, lumber, cotton, cardboard, carpenter, and furniture. Termites belong to the Isoptera order, a group of insect species that feed on cellulose. When termites are compared to ants, the two species have nothing in common, other than being insects. However, the term “white ant” is utilized in reference to the termite because both species are social, living in colonies of all sizes.

A phylogenetic study revealed termites may have evolved from the cockroach. The termite colony consists of workers, soldiers, winged and wingless swarmers, a queen, and a king.

Termites build tunneling systems like ants. The first sign of a termite tunnel a mud tube, the entrance into the tunnel. Mud tunnels are generally built into decaying wood structures, such as downed trees and branches.

Termite Members In-Depth

As mentioned previously, termite colonies are comprised of various members, each of which plays a role in the running, building, and survival of the colony. To understand how the colony operates, you must know about the individual members, their jobs, and roles.

Termite Queen

The queen is the most important influential member of the termite colony. Her main role is to grow the population of the colony. The termite queen is a prolific breeder, laying around 30,000 eggs each day. Out of all the termite members, the queen has the longest lifespan. Termite queens have been shown to live up to 10 years.

The queen’s large size compromises her mobility. When she reaches a specific size, mobility becomes impossible. At this point, the queen’s mobility becomes the responsibility of a colony of worker termites.

Termite King

The king is another important member of the termite colony. Like the queen, the king is responsible for growing the termite colony’s population.  Another responsibility of the termite king is overseeing the other colony members.

Termite Worker

The termite worker is responsible for erecting tunnels and nests and foraging for food. Termites grow up to 10 millimeters in length. Experts describe the termite worker’s size as that of a “rice granule.

Workers spend the majority of their time working, even in the winter season. While the ant is overwintering “hibernating,” the termite is working. The termite’s body is translucent-like in color.

Termite Soldier

The termite soldier shares the same responsibilities with the ant soldier. Both insects are responsible for guarding their colonies. Like the termite worker, the termite soldier has a translucent-like coloration. They utilize their strong mandible to fight off predators.

The termite’s biggest predatory threat is the ant.

Termite Winged Swarmers

The termite winged swarmer is responsible for food-foraging. Winged swarmers are comprised of most genders – males and females. Upon maturity, winged swarmers set out on their own to find a mate and build a new colony.

Termite Wingless Swarmers

Termite wingless swarmers are reproductive members. They are responsible for helping the queen grow the colony population.

Subterranean Termites Are Found In Tulsa

There are other termite species in your area but Subterranean termites are the most concerning. They can cause significant damage to your home.

About These Termites

Subterranean termites live in structured colonies so each member fits into a unique class. For instance, the colony will have worker termites, soldier termites, and swarmer termites. Soldier termites and worker termites grow up to three-eighths of an inch. Just remember that soldier termites have longer necks. Swarmer termites can each half an inch in length.

Behaviors

These termites live in underground nests, but some live in moist tunnels above ground. Mud tubes are built and used to access nearby food sources. These termites produce swarmer termites in spring so they can build colonies elsewhere.

Primary Worries

Subterranean termites tend to be more destructive than other termite species. Although they’re not physically dangerous, these pests are going to destroy your home. Worker Subterranean termites chew through wood one fragment at a time. If not rectified, they will cause severe damage to your home.

Comparing Flying Termites & Flying Ants

Although similar, there are several key differences between flying ants and flying termites. Flying ants have wings of different sizes and a pinched waist. Flying termites have straight antennas. As for flying ants, their antennas are elbowed.

Unique Termites Facts

Termites are unique creatures. The facts below will surprise you.

• Worker termites consume the wood around your home 24 hours each day.
• You’ll need to eliminate the termites because they won’t disappear for 50 years or longer.
• A colony in the United States can contain as many as 500,000 termites.
• These pests help the environment because they destroy deadwood.
• Subterranean termites must have access to water around the clock. Otherwise, they’ll die.
• Termites build mud tubes and tunnels above ground to move around safely. They keep the tunnels moist.
• Ants frequently attack termites and termite colonies.
• Exterminators can help you eliminate an entire infestation.
• Roughly 2,000 termite species can be found around the world.
• Almost 40 termites reside in the United States.
• They do not impact Alaska homes.
• Most of the damage caused by termites is caused by Subterranean termites.
• These insects cannot chew through concrete.
• Worker termites are the only ones that can eat cellulose. As a result, they have to feed other members of the colony.
• Queens survive for 20 years or longer.
• A queen termite can lay thousands of termite eggs each day.

Termite Concerns & Dangers

Termites aren’t dangerous. They’re not going to attack or spread serious illnesses. However, they can create an abundance of problems. You cannot ignore the infestation since termites are destroying your home each day. Get rid of them quickly or your home is going to be destroyed.

Eliminating The Termites Ruining Your Home

Controlling termites is not an easy process. The problem is that termites tend to travel up to 300 feet from their colonies. When moving around, they use underground tunnels. They are fragile insects so they use tunnels to protect themselves from dangerous predators. In general, they’re attacked by ants but there are other predators. Still, it is hard to eliminate an infestation. We think our services are the best solution to the problem. Contact our office to learn more about our termite services.

DIY Methods

Although you may have mixed results, it is generally not a good idea to tackle the problem on your own. Doing so could lead to immense issues because some DIY products are not safe. Plus, some of them aren’t effective. Using professional services can provide more reliable and longer-lasting results. Protect the ones you love by teaming up with us.

We’re Ready

Contact us immediately to learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment. In general, we’ll get back to you in 24 to 48 hours.

Safer Solutions

Our exterminators are going to work hard to protect you. Our termite solutions are going to remedy the problem without creating risks for you and your loved ones. We work with the best exterminators in your area to ensure you’re going to be protected. We use products registered with the EPA because they’re safe and reliable. Use our services to tackle the problem you’re facing so everyone you know will be safe.

Avoiding Future Termite Problems

Use the advice below to stop termites

• Take steps to keep water away from the foundation of your home.
• Make sure water is going down your gutters and downspouts correctly.
• Check for and repair leaks around your home as quickly as possible.
• Don’t forget to check humidity levels around your home. Reduce humidity levels in crawlspaces and attics.
• Don’t store firewood too close to your foundation. Move it away and keep it off of the ground.
• Wood mulch cannot be stored too close to the home’s foundation.
• Check your home for the signs of termites at least once or twice a week.
• When you find termites around your home, call us. We’re eager to help.

Our extermination team based in Tulsa is here to help. We believe our professional pest control is the best option for termite infestation. We combine regular visual inspections with industrial-strength pesticides to ensure the maximum results. Our goal has always been to help Tulsa home and business owners keep their properties termite-free. Sometimes, it is impossible to make this happen without our help. Termites are diligent insects that are always on the lookout for a new victim.

If you have any other pest control issues please check out other services.