DID YOU KNOW?
Termites mostly feed on dead plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, soil or animal dung and about 10% of the estimated 4,000 species (about 2,600 taxonomically known) are economically significant as pests that can cause serious structural damage to buildings, crops or plantation forests.
Owing to their wood-eating habits, many termite species can do great damage to unprotected buildings and other wooden structures. Their habit of remaining concealed often results in their presence being undetected until the timbers are severely damaged and exhibit surface changes. They also damage paper, cloth, carpets and other cellulosic materials. Particles taken from soft plastics, plaster, rubber and sealants such as silicone rubber and acrylics are often employed in construction.
Where do I look for damage?
• Window sills are a good place to look for termite wings.
• Wings and dead swarmers often fall into spider webs.
• Mud tubes are evidence of an active termite infestation.
• Termites can damage softwood and hardwood lumber
products, paneling, siding, books, cardboard, wallpaper and paper covering on drywall.
• Look for termite-damaged wood and/or water stains.
• Look for raised paint or wallpaper (termites can eat paper and leave paint behind).
• Look for ripples in paneling and wallboard (caused by moisture/termites).
• Look for drywall ripples or tiny holes in surface of
drywall or wall paper (termites seal holes with mud after emerging through the paper).
• Note plumbing and utility fixture entrances and passages through the basement floor and the foundation.
• Look around showers and tubs.
•Termites are constantly foraging, just because you didn’t find termites last year doesn’t mean that you won’t find them this year.
ANTS Pharaoh ants have become a serious pest in hospitals, rest homes, apartment dwellings, hotels, grocery stores, food establishments and other buildings. They feed on a wide variety of foods including jellies, honey, shortening, peanut butter, corn syrup, fruit juices, baked goods, soft drinks, greases, dead insects, toothpaste and even shoe polish. They can also gnaw holes in silk, rayon and rubber goods. Nests can be very small, located between sheets of paper, in clothing or laundry, furniture and foods. Nests usually occur in wall voids, under floors, behind baseboards, in trash containers, under stones, in cement or stone wall voids, in linens and light fixtures.
They prefer dark, warm areas near hot water pipes and heating tapes, in bathrooms, kitchens, intensive care units and operating rooms. They are "trail-making" ants and often are found foraging in drains, toilets, washbasins, bedpans and other unsanitary sites as well as in sealed packs of sterile dressing, intravenous drip systems, on surgical wounds, food and medical equipment.
ANT & TERMITE IDENTIFICATION