What are the termites you can find in the Philippines?
● Luzon Point Headed Termite
● Los Banos Termite
● Philippine Milk Termite
● Mound Building Termite
Termite control is important for any home in the Philippines. But do you know what kind of termite lurks in your home? There are actually four most common kinds of termites you can find in the Philippines. These fascinating but unfortunately annoying pests can be found consuming the wood in your houses to survive. But what are they and what are they like? Today we’ll be exploring the top 4 termites you can find in the Philippines.
Luzon Point Headed Termite
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Let’s explore the interesting characteristics of the Luzon Point Headed Termite. This termite is usually dark in color and has an obviously pointed head shape. The soldiers don’t have any mandibles and they usually feed on wood sap. Unlike most termites located in the Philippines, the Luzon Point Headed Termite creates narrow mud tubes.
A shovel or a hoe can be the right tool to use to destroy their mounds. If the mounds have a bigger structure, it might be wise to use a rototiller. Although an effective way to eradicate the actual termites would be for you to use chemicals, but this can be dangerous to children and pets. Ask your pest control service to use repellants instead. These are safe and long term solutions that can protect you from these termites.
Los Banos Termite
The Los Banos Termites are light in color. The soldiers can easily be mistaken for larvae, which can be a problem if you’re not familiar with Philippine termites. These termites have a clandestine nature and appearance, making them the perfect infiltrator for your home. The long rectangular head of this termite is equipped with horn-like mandibles with serrated edges. This makes it easy for them to quickly consume their sustenance. Their primary nests are usually built underground while the secondary nests can be found in walls, beams, and trees.
Philippine Milk Termite
These termites probably have the most unique features out of all the termites on this list. The workers of this termite species are white in color while the soldiers secrete a white substance called latex. They’re the most destructive type of termite as they will consume anything with cellulose. If given the chance they’ll eat fabric as well.
Their destructive tendencies are the reason for their survival. They’re also able to nest in moist wood, which is theorized to be the reason they were able to travel to parts of USA and Australia.
The life cycle of the milk termite doesn’t go through a complete metamorphosis, with nymphs turning to either soldiers or workers. These termites are sterile, no matter what their gender is. The soldiers measure between 4-4.8mm in length while the Alates measure 13-16mm.
Soldiers are in a milky cream color, with relatively large heads and mandibles that lack teeth. They’re wingless, eyeless and sterile. They also lack anterior lobes. When soldiers are agitated, they tap their heads, causing a loud ticking sound.
Mound Building Termite
Mound building termites are usually found in your garden. It’s considered to be a large termite species. The abdomen of a mound-building termite is darker in color compared to the rest of its body. Like other species of termites, Mound Building Termites also use a caste system within their colony. The workers are blind, lack wings and have immature reproductive capabilities. The soldier caste’s job is to defend the colony from impending danger from other animals. Their bodies produce a corrosive substance that coats their mandibles, perfect for fighting.
These termites are the most common kind of termite you can find, not just in the Philippines but also in other countries. The possible damage they can do to any home is universal. In order to keep the integrity of your home, be vigilant for any signs of a mound-building termite within the premises.
Key Takeaway
Identifying the termites you encounter can aid you in assessing the possible damage to your house’s structures. Knowing what kind of termite you’re dealing with can help you utilize the best form of termite control and extermination methods for maximum efficiency. Ignoring termites at home can put the structural integrity of your house in danger; it is only wise to take proper measures in preventing and eradicating these pests.