When most people think about termites, they immediately conjure up images of nasty tiny insects that cause devastation to homes, furniture, outdoor structures, and personal belongings. At Genie Pest Control, our termite exterminators have witnessed first-hand the damage that these nasty creatures can cause. However, despite their destructive nature, termites are, in fact, quite interesting insects.
Having a better understanding of termites can help you put measures in place to keep these insects out of your Omaha or Iowa home. Remember that if you do find termites in your home, it’s vital that you contact our exterminators at Genie Pest Control as soon as possible.
While termites are fascinating creatures, they can cause untold damage to your home if left untreated. With our termite specialists’ help, you can be sure that the problem will be dealt with effectively and that any signs of damage are properly assessed.
Let’s take a look at six fascinating facts about termites that you might not have known.
Termites Lived Alongside Dinosaurs
It’s estimated that the earliest dinosaurs existed 230 million years ago. The earliest termites, on the other hand, are reported to have lived 250 million years ago! Existing for such a long period goes to show how resilient termites genuinely are. As time has passed, terminates have learned ways to evolve and thrive.
For example, did you know that most termites in a colony are blind? Each termite colony has a king or queen, soldiers, and workers. The only termites that can see in a colony are king or queen termites. All soldiers and workers are completely blind.
Termite Populate Quickly
A termite queen can lay thirty thousand eggs a day. That means that an egg is laid every fifteen seconds. Queens typically survive for fifteen to twenty-five years but can live up to fifty years in the right conditions. If you suspect you have termites in your home, contact our terminate exterminators to investigate further before the problem gets out of control.
Termites Can Be Eaten
While snacking on termites might not be your idea of a good time, these little insects are highly nutritious. Rich in protein, iron, calcium, and fatty acids, termites have a surprisingly high nutritional value. In fact, in parts of Africa and South America, termites are often smoked, steamed, or fried in banana leaves for a healthy, nutritious, quick bite. (to each’s own!)
Termites Outnumber Humans
You might have guessed that there would be more termites on earth than there are humans. However, you might be surprised to hear that there are one thousand pounds of termites for every person on the planet! Try to do the math, and you will quickly see why our termite exterminating and removal services are in such high demand!
Termites Can Squeeze Through Tiny Spaces
Termites range in size from one-eighth of an inch in length to one full inch. They vary in color from different shades of white to black and brown, depending on the type of termite and their age. Due to their small size, termites can squeeze through tiny spaces, no bigger than a one-cent coin width.
Our teams at Genie Pest Control recommend that you identify and seal any cracks in your foundations or around your doors or windows to keep termites out.
If You Find Termites Get In Touch With Genie Pest Control ASAP
Termites can wreak havoc on your home if left untreated. If you suspect that you might have a termite infestation in your home, don’t take any risks. Get in touch with our team at Genie Pest Control right away. With the help of our exterminators, you can ensure that your home will be free of termites as quickly as possible.