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A worker termite may live from one to two years while a queen termite can live up to 50 years.
If you see swarming termites that means worker termites (the ones that do the damage) have already eaten for at least one year.
You can tell an ant from a termite by examining the wings, waist and antennae. Both insects have two pairs of wings, but termite wings are relatively equal in size while ant wings tend to be longer in front and shorter in back. Ants also have a narrow, pinched waist while termites' waists are thicker and less distinct. Finally, ants' antennae are elbowed, while termites' are straight.
Termites actually eat wood. They feed on cellulose, a complex chemical in plant cell walls, and they are very important in the natural decomposition of fallen trees, leaves and other plant products.
A termite colony never stops working- EVER.
The way your home is built has a large bearing on its susceptibility to termites, If you have stucco construction, and it's in contact with the soil around your home, that creates access for the termites. If your home is built on a slab, such as a garage, and the slab contains settling cracks, termites have a point of entry. If you have a hollow-block foundation wall instead of a poured wall, it creates access for the termites. If there are wood structures attached to the home, such as a deck, porch or stair rail and steps and the wood is not treated, termites have a direct channel into your home's structure.
A recent University of Georgia study estimated that from 2002-2003 the state of Georgia suffered over $30 million in termite damage in residential homes alone.
There are things you can do to reduce the susceptibility of your home to termite damage.
Remove Food Sources
- Check decks and wooden fences for damage.
- Wood on your home shouldn't contact the soil.
- Remove all wood debris from around your home, especially after new construction and remodeling. This includes wood from boards along foundations, tree stumps and roots, as well as firewood stacked near the house.
Eliminate Moisture Problems
- Grade the soil around your foundation so it carries water away from the foundation.
- Keep gutters and downspouts clean and in good repair.
- Seal entry points around water and utility lines or pipes.
- Ventilate crawl spaces.
- Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and a/c units.
- Remove excess wood mulch and plant cover.
- Get rid of any standing water on or near home.
- Keep all vents clear and open.
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