FAQs
What is a termite?
- Termites are social insects belonging to order isoptera. They feed on cellulose material like wood, paper, cloth, etc. for their survival. Termites are hidden invaders and are known to cause large scale damage to wood in service.
What are the different species of Termites?
There are more than 350 species of termites in India. Some of the common species include
- Odontotermes
- Microcerotermes
- Coptotermes
- Heterotermes
- Reticulitermes
- Zootermopsis
- Cryptotermes
- Incisitermes
- Marginitermes
What are different types of termites?
Termites are social insects, working and living together in groups called colony. Each colony contains several types termite individuals (castes) which differ in body shape and behavior and each caste performs different tasks. These castes are identified as:
- Workers
- Soldiers - distinguished by their heavily armored and pigmented heads
- Reproductive (i.e. Queen and King)
What are the risks associated with Termite infestations?
Termites are hidden invaders, they can cause serious structural damage to buildings and significant damage to crops. Termites feed on anything consisting of cellulose such as wood, paper, clothes. In search of food they also damage non-cellulosic material such as rubber, plastic, nylon, etc. Their ability to conceal themselves provides the necessary time to do considerable damage before they are discovered. Because termites feed primarily on wood, they are capable of compromising the strength and safety of an infested structure. Termite damage can result in structures unlivable until expensive repairs are conducted.