Termite
Termites are fascinating wood-eating insects. These “silent destroyers” can eat your house undetected. While there are nearly 3,000 species of termites, only 10 percent are pests that feed upon buildings.
GIANTmicrobes Termite is soft, cuddly and won't eat your house! Learn all about these fascinating creatures.
Size: 9 x 7 x 1.5"
Product Details
Additional Information
| Sizes | Giantmicrobes are based on actual microbes, cells, organisms and other critters, only 1,000,000 times actual size! Gigantic (GG) 16-24" XL (XL) 10-15" Original (PD) 5-8" Keychain (KC) 2-4" with clip |
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| Materials | Plush from all new materials. Stuffed with polyester fiber fill. Surface washable: sponge with water & soap, air dry. |
| Packaging | Each plush microbe includes a printed card with fun, educational and fascinating facts about the actual microbe or cell. |
| Safety | Every product meets or exceeds U.S. and European standards for safety. For ages 3 and up. |
All about Termite
FACTS: Termites are fascinating wood-eating insects. These “silent destroyers” can eat your house undetected. While there are nearly 3,000 species of termites, only 10 percent are pests that feed upon buildings. Many termites are beneficial and convert plant cellulose into substances that can be recycled into the ecosystem. Termites need cellulose, which they get by eating wood, grass, leaves, and other plants. But termites cannot digest cellulose on their own. For this they depend on bacteria and other microbes that live in the termite hindgut. There are even some sophisticated termites that cultivate fungi gardens.
Termites have a complex social system similar to those of ants and bees, although termites have evolved independently. They are more closely related to cockroaches. Termites have created a highly organized division of labor and type of caste system with three main castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives - a king and queen. This royal pair have hardened, pigmented bodies and large compound eyes. Workers and soldiers are sterile, wingless, and usually lack eyes. Workers are pale, soft-bodied, and have hardened mouthparts. They feed the colony, collect food, groom other members, and construct the nest.
The soldiers handle defense. Most are blind, so they locate enemies through tactile and chemical means. Soldiers have a large, armored head with powerful jaws. An attacking soldier lunges its scissor-like jaws to dismember or lacerate a foe. Some even shoot acid from their heads.
Regarding pest control, if there are signs of termites in your house then it is key to determine the species. Treatment methods will differ whether the pest is a subterranean or wood-dwelling species. Subterranean termites live in moist soil and reach your house through the foundation. Dry-wood termites nest in the wood on which they feed. If you discover an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional.