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Termites have long been considered a bane in man’s existence. They are especially notorious in causing millions worth or damages in properties, particularly in wooden structures. However, the termites in Africa play a vet significant role in the country’s ecosystem. The tiny creatures can actually lay claim to such an immense impact on the African environment, which animals would not be able to take credit for. In the African savannahs, there are conspicuous mounds scattered all over that are actually homes to thousands of these highly sociable creatures.
The highly impressive clay towers provides an efficient shelter to many termites in Africa and any other insects and are usually covered in plants that forms habitants for these creatures. The termites in Africa are usually well-organized decomposers that feed on dead plant materials, barks and straws. And some of the nests or mounds built by the termites in Africa that are already abandoned serve as a shelter for other creatures. They also help in improving the quality of the soil through decomposition and serve as a lookout for cheetahs.
Aside from being a vital contributor in the ecosystem, the termites in Africa are also considered an exquisite delicacy that are usually fed to most children in Uganda and Zambia. Such dishes are either fried or steamed and are said to contain 32-36% protein. This may sound a little too primitive for other people’s taste, but for Africans they are indeed an exotic gastronomic fare that is enjoyed by both young and old. Apparently, it’s not only the people who are feasting on the termites in Africa, since most of the wildlife has made these termites their own staple wood. Aardvarks are especially known for licking the African termites from the ground in heaps. Foxes and mongooses are also fond of eating the termites along with the hyenas and aardwolves. And elephants have quite a very use of the mounds as a scratching post. There are other innumerable uses of the African termites and their mounds that would certainly make us all realize that such destructive creatures really does have a very important role in maintaining the balance of nature.
So they next time you come across termites, it mould help pay more respect to their humble creatures. Just when you are about to curse and question their existence, think of how much they are able to contribute to the natural processes of nature. Although, this may be too much to ask for some people who have dealt with termites in the past. But just think, like us they are also just trying their very best to survive and they are merely carrying out what they do best.
Early signs of termites
Unfortunately, most people don’t know whether they have a termite problem or not, and by the time you spot signs, it’s a clear indication that the problem is severe. This is largely because termites are notoriously hard to detect and almost always need a professional pest control specialist to identify signs of their presence. This is the main reason why regular termite inspections by an expert are so important.
Termite barriers
One of the most effective ways of controlling your termite problem is the use of termite barriers.
Chemical termite barriers
Chemical termite barriers involve the use of a liquid chemical substance that’s added to the soil, under the concrete flooring, and/or around the perimeter of your house or business. This chemical deters termites from approaching and entering your premises.
The advantages of this method are that it's unobtrusive - treatment is mainly done on the exterior of your property and it is more environmentally friendly as less material is required.
Termite pre-construction barriers
Much like the chemical barrier method, the Termite pre-construction method involves treating the soil with termiticide during the construction phase of a building to prevent termites from entering the property.
Conventional Termite Treatment
Sometimes termite barrier and termite baiting solutions may not be available, in which case the conventional route of termite control has to be taken to help manage your termite problem.
Termite treatments consist of applying a liquid termiticide treatment to areas of your building prone to termite activity. In some cases, some drilling is involved to get to said hot spots, but rest assured, these holes will be filled in once the treatment is complete.
DIY tips for preventing a termite infestation:
How Do You Get Rid of Termites in Your Yard?
Termites are a serious problem in your walls, but they’re perfectly normal in your yard. That doesn’t mean you should give them free roam to spread until they find their way inside.
If you have termites in your yard, how do you get rid of them? There are a few DIY methods you can try if you don’t want to call a professional pest control company right away.
As always, be extremely cautious when using any insecticides yourself. Follow the instructions on the package exactly, and don’t let pets or children near the treated area.
Foam termiticide
What it is: The foam termiticide Termidor contains the chemical fipronil, which paralyzes termites gradually and causes them to die. After you spray the foam and it evaporates, it leaves a residue that begins affecting termites as soon as they touch it.
How to use it: Spray Termidor foam (or a similar foaming termiticide) into any holes, cracks, or crevices where you suspect termites are hiding. Fill the space wall to wall, floor to ceiling with foam.
Termite baits
What it is: Termite baits work just like other insect baits. Foraging termites are attracted to the cellulose (what termites eat) in the bait. But the food source is laced with a toxin that stunts the termites’ growth so that they die when they try to molt.
The toxin is slow-acting, so affected termites have time to bring the poisoned food back to their colony and spread it around to even more termites. Baits are usually more effective than contact chemicals at wiping out large numbers of termites.
How to use it: Purchase termite baits and follow the instructions on the package to set them up outside. Set up bait stations all around your home’s foundation and any area where you’ve seen termites. The bait stations should be no more than 10 feet apart from each other.
Termiticide barrier
What it is: Liquid termiticides (active ingredient fipronil) and granular termiticides (active ingredient imidacloprid) are undetectable to termites, so they will not avoid areas treated with these pesticides.
When termites come in contact with either pesticide, they eventually die. But first, they carry the poison around with them and spread it to the rest of the colony.
How to use it: If using granular termiticide, spread it around your home’s foundation, decaying trees, woodpiles, and other wooden structures.
If using liquid chemicals, create a sort of moat around your foundation. Let the chemicals soak into the ground, where they will come in contact with subterranean termites (if that’s the termite species you have).
Creating a termite barrier like this with termiticides ensures that even if some termites get near or even inside your home, they’ll die soon after.
Nematodes
What it is: Beneficial nematodes are microscopic parasites that prey on termites. They get inside the termites’ bodies and release bacteria that poison them to death within a few days. Nematodes are long-lasting because they breed and multiply on their own.
Note: Nematodes are the best natural alternative to chemical termite treatments.
How to use it: You’ll find nematodes at many garden supply stores and online. Mix the nematodes with water according to the instructions on the specific product you buy. Apply the mixture to gardens, mulch beds, tree stumps, and any other areas where you’ve seen termites.
Boric acid
What it is: Boric acid is a processed version of the natural mineral boron. When termites ingest boric acid, it messes up their ability to absorb nutrients and affects their nervous system, resulting in death.
How to use it: Boric acid usually comes as a powder. You can either spray the powder undiluted with a powder sprayer or make a solution of 1 teaspoon boric acid for every cup of water. Either way, spray the boric acid around areas of the yard where you suspect termites.
Spray boric acid again every three to five days until termite activity in your yard stops. Beware that boric acid can dry out and kill plants and grass.
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