SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

Termites and termite colonies are remarkable for their longevity.  A  queen may survive and reproduce for up to 30 years and while the other castes have shorter life spans there is no difficulty in maintaining a colony of workers and soldiers for several years. The life span of the whole colony varies with species. In those species where the original pair of  reproductives is not replaced, the survival  of the colony is limited to their survival, but when supplementary reproductives are also present, the colony is potentially immortal. Some are  known to have existed for more than a century.

Termites feed on cellulose obtained from wood, wood composites or other plant tissue. They will therefore destroy a wide range of structural, functional and decorative timber or timber composites used by man - anything from a cricket bat to a bridge support. In  addition books, other paper products and fabrics of various kinds will be eaten. In their wide-ranging search for food, termites will pass through or damage many non-cellulose materials. One which is notable is the plastic sheathing of power cables.Again the damage  can be far reaching.

When they feed on costly timber edifices (designed by man)  termites are considered serious pests.  They serve a more beneficial role in their natural habitats, breaking down dead or dying plant materials and reintroducing them into the nutrient cycle.

Subterranean termites are considered to be amongst the most destructive insect pests in the world. They are dependent for their survival on an external moisture source and they typically dwell in soil and work through it until they reach a food source either within the soil or above ground. If moisture is available from a source other than the soil,  termites may not require access to the soil. Thus, isolated above-ground infestations may occur in buildings where  subterranean termites have access to water by condensation,   leaking pipes, rainwater or other sources.  Man's own building  activity may often provide the ideal platform from which termite  colonies can attack the building. Thus where there is abundant soil moisture or inadequate site drainage and where abandoned wooden building materials are left in or on the soil, the termites will thrive and are able, if any route is open or inadequately protected, to proceed into the building.