Termites
Termites
Termites (/ˈtɜːrmaɪts/), also known as Isoptera in scientific terms, are a group of eusocial insects that, until recently, were classified at the taxonomic rank of order Isoptera.
Etymology
The term "termite" is derived from the Latin and Late Latin word termes ("woodworm, white ant"), altered by the influence of Latin terere ("to rub, wear, erode") from the earlier word tarmes.
Description
Termites are often called the "silent destroyer" because they may be secretly hiding and thriving in your home or yard without any immediate signs of damage. All termites consume cellulose-based plant materials. Unfortunately, all homes, regardless of their construction type, can provide cellulose food for termite infestation.
Types of Termites
There are three major types of termites found in the United States: Subterranean termites, Drywood termites, and Dampwood termites. Each of these types has unique characteristics and requires different treatment methods.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most destructive kind of termite. They can eat a lot of wood and they can cause a lot of expensive damage to a house. They can destroy building foundations, wooden support beams, and more.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites cause a lot of damage and are a threat to your property. They live, feed and nest in undecayed wood which has a very low moisture content.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites like to live and feed in very moist wood. They are normally larger in size than other termite species.
Related Terms
- Cellulose: An organic compound that termites feed on.
- Eusocial: The highest level of organization of sociality, which is defined by the following characteristics: cooperative brood care, overlapping generations within a colony of adults, and a division of labor into reproductive and non-reproductive groups.
- Isoptera: The order to which termites were previously assigned.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Termites
- Wikipedia's article - Termites
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