11 Amazing Facts About Termites In Dallas

We often think of termites as tiny insects that devour our homes. That is pretty much where we stop thinking about termites. But termites are amazing. If you don't believe us, take a look at these 11 amazing facts about termites in Dallas. We think you'll agree!

1. Termites Raise Their Young As A Group

When a termite queen gives birth, she is not responsible for raising her young alone. The members of her colony work together to raise the newly hatched termites.

2. There Are No Dead Beat Dads In A Termite Colony

Some insects only have a queen. Termite colonies have a queen and a king. They work together to produce offspring and grow their colony.

3. Only Worker Termites Eat Wood

Worker termites are the only termites that consume cellulose for food. All other termites in the colony get their food from workers through a process of shared fluids.

4. Termite Workers Never Stop Eating

Worker termites have definitely earned their name. They never stop working. A worker can consume wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This is because termites don't sleep. Fortunately, workers aren't always eating. They spend time tunneling, building shelter tubes, grooming each other, and feeding other termites.

5. Termites Weigh More Than Humans

Well, not each termite individually. That would be scary! But, the total weight of termites in the world surpasses the weight of all humans in the world. That is still pretty scary.

6. There Are About 2,000 Known Termite Species

With around 2,000 known species, there is quite a bit of diversity when it comes to termites. They don't all behave the same way. Some prefer softwood. Some prefer hardwood. Some build nests in the ground. Some build nests inside wood. Some build giant mounds out of dirt.

7. The Most Destructive Termites In Dallas Are Subterranean Termites

Do you know that damage caused by subterranean termites exceeds the damage caused by all other types of termites? It is estimated that annual damage caused by subterranean termites is in the billions. The damage caused by all other termite types is in the hundreds of millions. The damage caused by subterranean termites also exceeds the damage caused by tornadoes, fires, and earthquakes combined.

8. Termites May Help Us Make Gas

An effort is underway to learn how the microbes in the guts of termites work to break down the cellulose in wood. The goal is to make biofuels out of wood or grass. This product is humorously called grassoline. This would be an incredible breakthrough—one that we will be able to thank termites for.

9. Termites And Ants Are Enemies

Underneath the ground, there is a war going on. Ants and termites tend to be bitter enemies. This is one reason why workers are accompanied by soldier termites with formidable black pincers. If you ever uncover worker termites, you aren't likely to find them without these military escorts.

10. Termites Are A Delicacy

Boy, do we wish this wasn't true. As gross as it might sound, termites are eaten in some parts of the world. This may seem strange but termites are quite nutritional. Some species contain as much as 64 percent protein. They're also rich in iron and calcium. Don't be surprised if you find out that these insects are in your favorite protein shake. Yummy!

11. It Is Extremely Difficult To Stop Termites

As a pest control provider that specializes in termite control, you had to expect that we would put this one on our list. Protecting property owners from the destructive impact of termites in Dallas is one of our core goals. The experts here at All-Safe Pest & Termite know that home and business owners rarely have success keeping termites out. This is because termites live in the ground or inside the wood they are feeding on. And they silently feed on wood for years without being detected. This is not a pest control task that you should take on by yourself.

Protect Your Dallas Property From Termites

When you choose to invest in termite protection for your Dallas property, you decide how much termites will cost you. No surprises. No irreparable damage. You can make it a line item on your budget. Reach out to us today to learn more or to schedule service.