Courtesy of Alex Earhart
Different termite species form different types of nests – some bury them deep within the ground, while some make their nests right in the wood they eat off of. Regardless of the species, the conditions in the nest, and the “must-haves” in nest building are the same.
Requirements for a Nest
Termites are actually very delicate creatures – since their outer bodies are soft and thus easily desiccated, they must live in nests that are warm, damp, dark, and most importantly, sealed from the outside environment. The humidity in the interior of the nest must be kept high – 90 to 99 percent. And this is most likely maintained through water production that results from the metabolic processes of the termites in the nest. The actual temperature of the nest is usually higher than the outside environment. These conditions are optimal for the termites living in the nest, and allows them a comfortable spot that is also safe from predators.
Nest Construction and Defense
Nest construction is left to worker termites or old nymphs. Soldier termites protect the nests through careful monitoring of the areas left open to the outside world. If a predator comes close to the nest, soldier termites bang their heads against the tunnels – creating a vibration that runs through the nest and notifies other termites of danger. The openings of the nests provide necessary ventilation.
Carbon Dioxide
Anaerobic protozoans are the organisms that live in a termite’s gut. These organisms are actually the ones responsible for digesting what the termites consume – most cellulose.These protozoans cannot tolerate high concentrations of oxygen, thus termites have developed a tolerance for high concentrations of carbon dioxide.
Need help in Gilbert? Visit Gilbert Termite Control.
Contact Info:
Termite Control Scottsdale
4400 N. Scottsdale Rd.
Suite 9
Scottsdale AZ 85251
(480) 582-6587
License # 8918
