Pests in Virginia
Pest important for Virginia residents are broadly categorized as pests that create harmful effects, those that destroy property, and those capable of presenting health issues from their bites, stings, or ability to transmit diseases. Thoughthete exist perhaps a few hundred species of insects and other animals can likely qualify as urban pests of Virginia, only few are encountered.
Types of Virginia Termites
Subterranean Termites
The most commonly encountered termites are the subterranean termites and they are also regarded as the most destructive termites that live in Virginia. Commonly implied by their name, these pests start by building their colonies underground. They are provided what they need for survival and colony growth – moisture, protection, and food by their habitation.
A subterranean termite colony comprises specialized groups called castes. Included in these castes are workers, soldiers, a king and queen, and reproductive swarmers called alates. Workers gather and feed food to the other members of the colony. Soldiers defend the colony against predators, while the queen produces eggs.
Swarming Termites in Virginia
The winged female and male members are the reproductive swarmersof the colony, they fly to mate and establish new colonies of termites. Generally, March through June on warm days after rainfall is the Apex swarming period in Virginia . The first sign of problem is the appearance of swarmers either on the outside or inside of a home. They often fly to areas around windows and doors because they are attracted to light. So, inspecting windowsills and other areas around patios and exterior doors are regarded as good ideas.
What Attracts Termite Colonies in Virginia
Termites eat cellulose, which is a component of woods and plants. The continuous need and feeding for cellulose is the reason why termites damage construction wood, paper products, and other items that contain cellulose.
Termites dehydrate easily, so when they leave a moist soil environment, they depend on their crafted mud tubes to retain moist conditions wherever they inhabit. so mosisture is another requirement for survival. They remain connected to other colony members in the below-ground nest in this manner, enabling the termite workers return to the subterranean colony, renew their body’s moisture content and make provision of food to other members of the colony.
A subterranean termite colony can sometimes be established above ground.
Above-ground colonies generally, also known as secondary colonies, occurs when there is an above-ground source of moisture that replaces the need to return to the below-ground. Leaks in a roof and leaking pipes are few examples of why these nests are built.
