Techniques Of Tucson Termite Control

By Jayne Rutledge


Termites play a pivotal role by eradicating dead trees in forests. They make it possible for bacteria and fungi to enter such dead trees to help in decomposing them. This in the long run ensures that dead-falls are not clogged. The termites are however not able to differentiate between the plant matter that needs to be destroyed and those that are important and should not be destroyed. For people that reside in Tucson termite control can be achieved in several ways.

Before any methods of control are adopted, the first step is to identify pest species required. This can be done by among other ways observing behavior of the pests and their damage pattern. The most destructive species of the termites are the fungus-growing ones. The termites in this species eat dead organic materials such as humus, crop residues and mulches. Whenever food is not available, these termites will invade plants like maize, groundnuts and millet.

Over the years, the technique of controlling termites that has been generally acceptable is the use of chemical pesticides. Nevertheless, chemicals are costly and have several harmful effects. These pesticides can quickly get into food chains and water sources, creating a hazard for human beings. The fact that many people are unable effectively read instructions and follow them also poses risks. Using pesticides also kills useful insects, destroying the balance existing between pests and useful predators that eat them.

Using natural methods is much cheaper than chemicals. This can be explained by the fact that in organic control, products and materials used are within the compound. One way is to add organic matter to the soils that lack them. Termites in such soils always resort to eating plant matter when they lack organic matter.

Adding compost or manure that is well rotted to soils will increase the quantity of organic matter. Thus in the long run, termites will have food sources and will not feed on plant matter. Alternatively, one can control termites by introducing predators that feed on them. These include insects like wasps, beetles, spiders and flies. There is also the option of using monkeys, bats, pangolin and frogs. These will control the population of termites without having adverse effects on the environment.

Termites are also able to be controlled by providing them with alternative sources of food. Mulch can be used around the base of plants. Materials such as manure, wood shavings, wood ash and hay can be used. The insects will be attracted to the mulches rather than crops. The shortcoming of this method is that it can attract termites to the particular area and increase damage to crops and trees.

When the same plants are planted in a given piece of land year in year out, soil fertility and structure will be reduced. Crops growing in such soils will be susceptible to termites and also weak. Thus by crop rotation, termite attack will be prevented.

For people that reside in Tucson termite control is able to be achieved using magnets. Placing very strong bar magnets near new mounds will stop their growth. Magnets disturb termite species which construct mounds in the north-south direction.




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