Where are termite mounds found in Africa?

Where are termite mounds found in Africa?

The commonest epigeal termite mounds at Nylsvley Reserve, northern Transvaal, are constructed by Cubitermes pretorianus and shared by other termites and by ants.

What’s up with termites in Africa?

Termite soil is often used as fertilizer. The act of eating soil (geophagy) among women, especially those that are pregnant, is practised all over Africa. The mounds can serve as burying places and are often associated with the spiritual world, especially containing the spirits of ancestors.

What are African termite mounds made of?

The mound is constructed out of a mixture of soil, termite saliva and dung. Although the mound appears solid, the structure is incredibly porous. Its walls are filled with tiny holes that allow outside air to enter and permeate the entire structure.

Should I destroy termite mounds?

Make it your rule not to allow any mounds to develop within 100 meters of a building or other structure. Just completely destroy the mound to kill these termites. Termites that build mounds are subterranean but not included in the termites that do 99% of the $damage to homes.

What eats termites in Africa?

In case you were wondering about the dining habits of the most trafficked animal in the world, it’s true — they’re myrmecophagous, which means they eat only ants and termites.

Why do termites build mounds?

“To our surprise we found that termites used all materials as long as they were able to walk and chew on them.” And termites build mounds to protect themselves against the environment and predators.

How do I get rid of termite mounds in my yard?

Termite mounds are sturdy structures, and it can be difficult to break them down. In many cases, a shovel or hoe will be adequate, while in others, you may need to use a rototiller or other mechanical device to break up the compacted dirt of the mound.

What is the purpose of termite mounds?

Termites are highly eusocial insects, and the large, often elaborate mounds of mound-building termite species protect the colony and internal nest, while providing responsive control over their microenvironment (1, 2).

Who will eat termites?

Perhaps one of the biggest predators of termites is the ant. There are six different species of ants that will actively seek out and prey on termites….Some of the lesser-known predators of termites include:

  • Ants.
  • Assassin bugs.
  • Beetles.
  • Flies.
  • Spiders.
  • Unsegmented roundworms.
  • Wasps.

Where are termite mounds found in Africa? The commonest epigeal termite mounds at Nylsvley Reserve, northern Transvaal, are constructed by Cubitermes pretorianus and shared by other termites and by ants. What’s up with termites in Africa? Termite soil is often used as fertilizer. The act of eating soil (geophagy) among women, especially those that are…