Red Termites Bring Double Trouble

If you thought the ordinary termite was a problem I hope you will never be attacked by the red termite. This is a termite that tries it’s very best to stay out of sight. It is hard enough to detect ordinary termites but the red termite stays hidden for months. All the while this colony of red termites will be breeding and eating your home. This pest of all pests does not limit its appetite to wood but is quite happy to feed on just about anything that is in its path. It is wise to be aware that any paper or fabric in your home may attract red termites to stay.

Red Termites Refer To Specific Stage

There is a termite that at a certain stage in its development becomes a reddish shade. The common name ‘red termite’ is therefore not a species on its own. The name came about to describe the color of a termite. This stage of the development of a termite is known at the alates stage and all termites go through it. The alates or ‘red termite’ is the only termite that has the ability to fly or swarm. People thought that when they saw a swarm of red termites it was a specific species.

There are many varieties of termites in Australia. But they all live in colonies and are even at times called ‘white ants’. Although they build and live in similar nests, ants and termites are entirely different. Ants are in the same family as bees and wasps. The termite is more closely related to the creepy cockroach.

Red termites or alates are important in the greater scheme of nature. The reason is that they are like little recyclers. Termites eat wood that is decomposing. They also enjoy leaf litter. This makes its reappearance in the form of feces which in turn becomes humus. This adds a very high-quality nutrient content for the soil. These nutrients are essential for new plant growth.

If red termites get into a house the damage toll will skyrocket. They will eat any substance that contains cellulose. Cellulose is found in wood and termites need it for their nutrition. Examples are paper and cloth. These will also be eaten by termites. Red termites can put away up to fifteen pounds of wood in a single week. Multiply that by the size of the colony inside a house. You can see why it is essential to get them out. Your house could be eaten bit by bit.

Two billion dollars are used in a year to repair termite damage. There can be up to 14 colonies on each acre of land. Houses are always in danger of being infested by red termites and any other kind. Property owners must be constantly on the lookout to prevent a termite infestation.

You can choose from many types of pesticides on the market. They are specifically for termites. There are a number of ways to use them. One way that has proved to work very well is the barrier method. It involves spraying or pouring a pesticide around the foundation of the house. The ground must be saturated. Termites will not cross over this toxic barrier line and nor will they dig under it. These are necessary steps to protect your property against a swarm of red termites or a colony on the march. Call a professional Termite Control Melbourne company to get rid of them from your home. Our pest control service experts also can tell you about important facts about fleas.