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Subterranean Termites: The Original Farmers

November 30th, 2009 Posted in Wood Damaging Pests

Mankind has only developed complex farming techniques in the last 10,000 years, while termites and other insects have developed their agricultural techniques for millions of years. Many argue that monoculture, the growing of a single crop, is an unsustainable practice.

Yet, termites have practiced this technique long before humans walked the Earth, proving that their similar agricultural techniques are quite sustainable.

Want to learn more?

• Termite Habits
• Sustainable Farming
• Termite Control

Termite Habits

Subterranean termites dig deep under ground, hence their name, or deep into wood. They live in colonies quite similar to an ant colony. Termites typically nest in either trees, soil, or deep underground.

Termites keep their colonies very humid to help prevent the worker caste from becoming dried out. Sometimes the shape of the colony is based upon the temperature the colony is trying to regulate. For instance, the compass termite creates a mound-like nest to protect itself from the summer heat, but also angles it so it can still be warmed by the sun for winter.

They gain most of their water from soil, but can move to buildings if there is a constant water source present. Once, they gather water from soil or another source, they begin to farm their own fungal food. This mushroom like fungus is what many termites, specifically subterranean termites, feed upon in their colonies.

Sustainable Farming

With global warming on the rise and the economic recession in full swing, sustainability has become very important. Many argue that producing the same crop on one farm isn’t helping the fight for sustainability, but is merely hurting the soil and preventing sustainable organic growth.

However, many argue since insects have farmed monocultures longer than we have and are still around, how could there be a problem? They begin fungus farming with the queen and king termite raising workers. These workers help to gather spores and plants to establish a potent mixture, capable of spurring fungal growth. This monoculture fungus farming is necessary for the termite colony to survive.

The growing of this single crop in their subterranean layer is one of the ways the termite species has survived for millions of years. This could mean that humans can continue to farm in the same way and survive as termites do. One paradox to this farming technique is that the termites collect many different fungal spores to create their fungus garden, yet have no problem with different species of fungus competing for space or growth.

Scientists identified only a single genotype of fungus in each colony, proving the termites have a genetic means of picking species of similar genetic backgrounds, so that they can mix and further their food supply. It is up to mankind to analyze these techniques and adapt our own ways of farming like the termites have, to help guarantee our own continued global sustainability.

Termite Control

While termites burrow deep into the ground, they look for food and water sources. Often termites settle for your home and property as a form of sustenance. This can be a huge problem because many homes and backyard structures, like sheds or swing-sets, are made with lots of wood.

Termites have the ability to bury themselves deep into these structures causing massive damage and major safety concerns for your family. By using EcoSMART’s Home Pest Control, you can end any current or future termite infestations. Our insecticide is made from natural oils, which makes it safe for your family and pets. Also helping with sustainability, all EcoSMART products are safe for the environment as well.