A colony of honeybees can have as many as 80,000 workers. To many people, this may seem like a large number of workers. Considering the amount of work that they do, it makes one wonder whether there are enough workers to get everything done.
During the summer, the average honeybee worker lives about seven weeks. During the first few weeks, the honeybees work inside the nest. During the last few weeks, they go outside and become “field workers”.
Inside the nest, workers do a variety of jobs. They make flakes of beeswax from special glands on their abdomens. They chew the wax flakes to make them soft, and then they use the wax to make the cells in the combs.
The temperature inside the nest must be warm for the immature bees to develop. However, the high temperature is a threat to the wax combs. To keep the comb cool, nest workers drip water onto the comb. Then they fan their wings to circulate the air.
Field workers bring nectar into the nest. Nest workers take the nectar and add enzymes to it. They place the nectar in cells in the comb. Because of the warm temperature and the circulating air, most of the water evaporates from the nectar, leaving the honey that the bees are famous for. A colony of honeybees can make more than 50 pounds of honey in a year.
The field workers also bring pollen that they have gathered from flowers. The nest workers mix the pollen with honey. This mixture is often called beebread. The workers feed this to the larvae that will develop into adult workers.
The workers create a special substance from glands on their heads. Many people call this substance royal jelly. They use this name because the nest workers feed the royal jelly to the larvae that will develop into new queens. Scientists suspect that the nest workers eat pollen to stimulate the glands that make this royal jelly.
When the workers become “field workers”, their duties change. The job of field workers is to go out of the nest, find nectar and pollen, and bring it back to the nest. The workers can carry balls of pollen with their back legs. If they are bringing nectar, they carry it in a separate second stomach. A worker can carry almost her own body weight of nectar on each flight to the nest.
The field workers must make as many round-trips as possible because the colony needs an amazing amount of nectar and pollen. Scientists report that many honeybee workers have frayed wings when they die. Honeybee workers are “busy bees” indeed!
There are two types of termites that create the most damage in the U.S. Drywood termites are the least common. They live above ground and spread by swarming. Subterranean termites are the most destructive termites. These termites live in colonies underground and will attack any wood that is in contact with the ground.
If your boat or yacht is in the water, termites usually will not be able to damage it. However, drywood termites can swarm from a nearby location and become a problem in your vessel. A dry docked boat or a boat that is stored out of the water is usually the safest. If the boat is stored directly on the land, however, termites can easily find a way in and begin their destruction.
If you see any evidence of termites, such as piles of what appears to be sawdust in your boat, or discarded wings from molting adults, seek the help of a pest control professional. They can help you with a termite maintenance program that will keep your property protected.
Protecting your new home against termite infestations can be done in the building phase. There are a variety of methods available to homeowners and contractors that can help keep your home protected against termites for years to come. While there are no guarantees with any termite control method, taking steps to help prevent damage makes good sense for your investment.
Another method is to use pre-treated building materials during construction. Materials such as lumber or siding can be installed with a termite-resistant chemical already in the wood. Be aware, though, that termites eat all kinds of building materials, including cellulose and insulation, so they can bypass the treated wood and eat the drywall or sheetrock materials.
Pre-construction termite control is a great option to help you make your home safe from termites. It is not, however, a substitute for yearly inspections and termite maintenance programs. Consult a pest control professional to take additional steps to protect your new home from termites. Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage, so you need to be diligent in your prevention methods to help protect your new home.
Before you make the final purchase, have the home inspected by a professional pest control company. Many states require a termite letter, along with a home inspection, to guarantee there is no current termite infestation. A home inspection will also reveal any past termite damage. If there is damage, most sellers will pay to have it fixed or compensate you the amount to fix it yourself. Before the final deal is signed, termite damage should be fixed, and a thorough inspection by a reputable pest control company should be completed stating there is no infestation.
No matter how old a home is, it could have termite damage. Newer homes are just as susceptible, unless they have had pre-treatment of the wood prior to construction. The pre-treatment and barrier methods around the foundation used in some new constructions will help control termites. However, it isn't a guarantee that termites will never be a problem in the future.
When the home is inspected for termites and damage, make sure you work with a reliable pest control company. There are many methods to detect termites in walls and floors, foundations and ceilings. A reliable pest control company will have the most up-to-date inspection techniques, and are trained to determine any prior damage, as well as current infestations.
It's hard to walk away from a house that you love when termite damage is revealed. You need to determine if the risk is worth the reward. Some homebuyers take the risk and make the purchase anyway. In the long run, it really comes down to your own comfort level and what you are willing to accept in your home purchase.
When it comes to termite damage, structural damage is the hardest to repair. It's also the most expensive. Sagging floor joists and beams usually indicate structural damage. The cost of replacing these structural supports comes from the fact that they are holding up other systems throughout the house, like walls and ceilings.
Termites can cause extensive structural damage if they are allowed to go unchecked. They can weaken main floor joists and ceiling beams, making your home unsafe. A many times, the electrical and plumbing components travel through the main beams, as well.
The best way to avoid termite damage repairs is to have a termite inspection every year. These inspections, done by a professional pest control company, can save you hundreds or thousands of dollars in home repairs. Professional inspectors can assess damage already caused, and employ detection methods that are state-of-the-art to determine if there are any new infestations.
New construction can be at less risk to termites if there have been pre-treatment methods put in place. Pre-treated wood and beams, as well as barrier methods around the foundation, can be done prior to finishing your home to reduce the chances of termites. No method is guaranteed, but pre-treatment has been shown to diminish your risk for infestation.
Termites are responsible for over a billion dollars of damage in homes throughout the U.S. every year. Your home is often your largest asset. Keep it safe by having it inspected every year, and maintained by a pest control professional. The investment in a reliable pest control service company is well worth avoiding future termite damage and the costs that could bring.