What is termites role in the ecosystem?
Silent destroyer, beastly bugs, pesky pets. These just a few of the terrible names we often give to describe termites. But if scientists are to be believed these tiny bugs are doing an excellent service to our environment. In fact, the New York Times recently refer to termites role in the ecosystem as the ‘Saviors of the Soil.’ That’s some honor for a half-an-inch long creature that till now was only a cause of nightmares for homeowners in NYC.
While we can not deny that termites cause more than $5 billion worth of damage in the United States every year, it is also now a known fact that these insects play a significant role in protecting the environment, not only in NYC but all over the world. Although 2,800 species of termites exist on the Earth, just a few are known to cause destruction.
Termites Role in the Ecosystem:
Nature Warriors
Most termites role in the environment is very critical. Researchers from Princeton University have also discovered that the mounds made by termites can actually prevent the soil from becoming barren, especially in agricultural lands. The hills created by termites store moisture and nutrients, and this is the reason why plants tend to thrive around these mounds. It would not take long for dry areas to become deserts if the termite mounds did not exist. The holes dug by the termites into the ground allow the rain to soak deep into the soil rather than evaporating in the hot blazing sun.
Nourishing snack
Termites are high in proteins and fats. This is the reason why they are a nutritious and popular food choice for a number of animals, birds and even ants.
Recycling champions
According to specialists in this field, termites are actually one of the best recyclers on our planet. They are responsible for giving back nutrients to the soil in the rainforests. While the trees and other vegetation in the rainforest extract the nutrients from the soil, these green machines actually work hard to energise the soil. The bacteria present in the termites are able to extract nitrogen from the air and convert it into fertilizer. They digest the dead wood and put back the nutrients in the soil for more healthy plants to grow.
However, it is this very ability of the termites to digest any type of dead wood that causes so much destruction in our homes. After all, it is we who have built our homes with termite food. If a termite infestation is not noticed on time, the damage to your home can be much greater.
Termite Infestation Signs:
But how do you know if you have a termite infestation and would require pest control NYC? Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
* Termite shelter tubes. They are clay-like in texture and brown in color.
* Termites working inside wood produce earthen cracking on the surface. This is mostly visible on the foundation walls or the joints.
* Audible tapping noise can be heard in places where there is a substantial infestation.
* Termites often burrow into would without coming to the surface. So, one should regularly check wooden floors and walls for any hollowness.
Nassau County Pest Control: Termites Role in Ecosystem
Keeping all the facts in mind, we should choose an environmentally responsible method of pest control. Nassau County Pest Control provides environmentally friendly and long-term solutions for your termite troubles. They also ensure that their termite removal techniques are non-hazardous for your family members.
Termites have inhabited the earth since the time of the dinosaurs and helped in maintaining the environment all this while. So, it is our responsibility as humans to co-exist with these tiny insects. After all, they are playing an important role in maintaining the NYC ecosystem as well.
