There are certain times of the year when termites take wing and look for new places to expand their colonies. Even if you don't have any termites inside your jungalow right now, they are looking for any crevice or crack or knothole to fly or crawl inside. The better sealed your jungalow is from the outside, the better chance you have of resisting termites and other intrusive bugs. There are even some termites that can live in the ground. Mid-spring to mid-fall is the season for termite swarms.
They seem to like to come out at night, and are attracted to light sources and water. At night, they will linger by the bedroom lamp or the bathroom sink. After shedding their wings, they can live for at least an hour, and are looking for their next meal. They prefer wood, but if they can't find a nice piece of wood, then they will eat any kind of natural fiber to survive. This includes: cotton, jute or sisal rugs, even wicker. Actually, they really like wicker! If they find your clothing, they may eat a tiny 'puka' (Hawaiian for hole) before dying.
Silly me, I always thought termites only ate wood.
At night, the swarms can make tinkling sounds, as they alternately land, crawl around, and lift off, flickering against surfaces. As a child, I remember putting out bowls of water underneath the ceiling lamp. The flying termites would be attracted to the reflection of the light and drown. This may give you an immediate feeling of satisfaction in having killed a few termites, but in the long run is not terribly effective.
If you find wings in the morning, but not termite bodies, then it means they survived long enough to find something to eat.
This short video shows one of our cats watching the termites.
They seem to like to come out at night, and are attracted to light sources and water. At night, they will linger by the bedroom lamp or the bathroom sink. After shedding their wings, they can live for at least an hour, and are looking for their next meal. They prefer wood, but if they can't find a nice piece of wood, then they will eat any kind of natural fiber to survive. This includes: cotton, jute or sisal rugs, even wicker. Actually, they really like wicker! If they find your clothing, they may eat a tiny 'puka' (Hawaiian for hole) before dying.
Silly me, I always thought termites only ate wood.
At night, the swarms can make tinkling sounds, as they alternately land, crawl around, and lift off, flickering against surfaces. As a child, I remember putting out bowls of water underneath the ceiling lamp. The flying termites would be attracted to the reflection of the light and drown. This may give you an immediate feeling of satisfaction in having killed a few termites, but in the long run is not terribly effective.
If you find wings in the morning, but not termite bodies, then it means they survived long enough to find something to eat.
This short video shows one of our cats watching the termites.
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Sisal rugs are made from natural fibers derived from the
ReplyDelete'agave sisalana' cactus plant that is grown in the semi-arid regions of Brazil
and Africa. The plants are known for their toughness and durability, to the
extent that the commercial production of Tanzanian sisals have survived every
drought in over a century.
The fibers are harvested by hand from the leaves of the plant
and can grow up to three feet long. Each leaf contains about 1,000 fibers which
are processed (crushed, beaten, washed, dried, brushed and baled) to make rugs
and the remainder of the plant is used to produce electricity to sustain the
local economies of the grower countries. Not only are sisal rugs extremely
durable, they also pose several environmental benefits; they are harvested in a
sustainable manner and are renewable as well as biodegradable. jute-area-rugs Sisal rugs are generally very refined looking
and are available in a variety of colors. Although they are not as soft as
silk, they are very comfortable to walk on as the fibers don't stab you and
leave bits of sisal in your skin.
Sisal is different from coir, hemp grass and jute; it is much
stronger and hence durable than most natural fibers. Its strength makes it
perfect for making plaster reinforcements, dartboards, ropes and twine for marine
and bailing purposes. Sisal's textured look makes it a favorite among interior
designers across the world. These qualities of sisal also make it a preferred
material for rugs and carpets.
Because of their tough construct and inherent durability,
sisal rugs are ideal for in home use and are recommended for high-traffic areas
and commercial use. Most sisal rugs have a layer of latex applied to their
backsides which helps keep the integrity of the rug's weave and makes them
extra durable, thus prolonging their life. There are also several protective
products for coating sisal rugs to resist liquid spills, repel water and retard
soiling. shop rugs
Machine woven, natural fibers such as sisal, sisal wool, wall-to-wall
carpets, mountain grass, jute area rugs and sea grass rugs have non-toxic and
anti-static properties which make them an excellent choice for light-commercial
and residential use. The natural fibers create healthy indoor humidity levels,
prevent the buildup of static and do not have any off-gassing fumes that can
cause irritation to the eyes or throat.
It must be kept in mind that sisal rugs must not be placed in
areas where there are chances of exposure to direct moisture. This is because
moisture can cause the rug to become water stained and wavy over time.