Termites : The new little energy sources

Termites could be the new renewable energy sources leaving behind those old school fossil fuels. Researches hint that termites can produce an amount of approx 2 litres of hydrogen as a result of digesting a paper sheet. Termites have hindguts that inhabit 200 different species of microbes within it. Now by exploiting metabolic capabilities of these 200 species they manufacture large amount of hydrogen.

We already know that termites eat cellulose containing materials, hence when they do so the complex lignocellulose polymers within wood break down into sugar particles as a result of fregmentation inside the termite hindguts. Resulting hydrogen is produced as a by-product by enzymes.A second wave of bacteria uses simple sugar and hydrogen to form an acetate usually required by termites for energy . If it could be determined which enzymes are used to create hydrogen, and which genes produce them, this process could potentially be scaled up with bioreactors to generate hydrogen from woody biomass.

Termite Treatment

Before knowing how to control and treat termites the very basic question arises is what termites are and how to identify or recognize them?

Termites are best described as wood destroying insects. These very small creatures that usually eats cellulose materials or the wood in your house and trees on your property. One would not usually see termites as they prefer to live in complete darkness.


How to recognize a termite:

A Termite's presence is easy to recognize with a buildup of debris or mud on wood surfaces and damaged boards that may start to sag or break outright. However usually we notice them only after some damage has been done.They live in dark tunnels or burrows in the wood used in home construction.They usually come out in early spring and can sometimes be seen as a swarm of what looks like flying ants.

Tips to detect Termite presence:

• Soft wood is a good indication that you might have termites
• Dark or blistered wood structures may also be an indication of termites
• Presence of mud tubes around exterior or interior of your house are a great indication of termite attack

Termite Treatment methods:

• Post-construction Anti-Termite Treatment
• Pre-construction Anti-Termite Treatment

Pre - construction Treatment:

Prevention is always far better than cure, so it is advised to get pre-construction anti-termite treatments to the soil and foundation of the building. This will ensure that the termites do not get a chance to come near the newly constructed buildings at all. 

Post - construction Treatment:

In this type of termite treatment , DRILL-FILL-SEAL technique is used to form a barrier against termites. This method is quick non-messy and completely safe. It makes a completely undetectable chemical barrier around the property assuring continuous protection. Infested woodwork is also treated with chemicals to kill termites and protect it from further attacks.