Silent destruction

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Chad Warren
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  As the masses celebrate Black History Month, there is a lesser known observance taking place in the month of February. Unlike the celebration of influential figures throughout history however, the subjects of this observance could be destroying homes from the inside, and residents may not even know it.

February is Termite Awareness Month, and marks the beginning of the most active period of the year for termites. These small, ant-like creatures are detrivores, meaning they feed on dead plants and trees.

"The variety most common here is the subterranean termite," said Senior Airman Jose Pinzon-Galarza, 2nd Civil Engineer Squadron Pest Management Flight. "They need lots of moisture, so the humidity here in Louisiana makes it a good environment for them."

These termites travel by building mud tunnels from their underground nests to their feeding spots. The tunnels, which are used to bridge the gap between the soil and the wooden parts of buildings, make them easy to identify said Pinzon-Galarza, who has worked in the pest management flight for approximately three years.

Termites are often mistaken for ants, but there are several ways to distinguish them from one another.

"Termites are usually white to pale yellow, and ants are black or red," said Senior Airman Thomas Davis, 2 CES Pest Management Flight. "Ants also have three distinct body segments, where termites only have two."

Termites do not pose a medical threat, but they can do a great deal of structural damage.
 
Airmen from the pest management flight, in conjunction with local pest control contractors, take the necessary steps to ensure termite damage to Barksdale's buildings is kept to a minimum.

"All of the lumber is pre-treated, but we have to re-treat the buildings every 10 years," Pinzon-Galarza said.

As the weather starts to turn warmer, residents should educate themselves and be vigilant.

Undetected, these silent pests can do serious damage to homes and work centers alike. For more information or to report a termite infestation, contact the pest management flight at 456-1814.