A university team studied how to tell fresh termite pellets from old ones by looking at microbes in the excrement. Earlier approaches used hydrocarbon tests or colour changes, but those were expensive or unreliable. The researchers noted that many microbes do not survive long in air, and as cells die the microbial signal fades.
The team fed termites two kinds of wood, natural hardwood and Douglas fir, and sampled pellets when fresh and after three months, six months and one year. They measured bacterial DNA and found a large decline over time. The researchers hope to make a quick on-site test to show infestation age and avoid unnecessary chemical treatments.
Difficult words
- microbe — a very small living organism like bacteriamicrobes
- excrement — waste material produced by animals
- hydrocarbon — a chemical made of hydrogen and carbon
- pellet — a small hard piece of materialpellets
- decline — a decrease in number or amount
- infestation — a large number of pests in a place
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Would a quick on-site test be useful where you live? Why or why not?
- If you found termite pellets, would you use chemical treatments right away? Why or why not?
- Have you seen signs of pests in a house or garden? What were they?
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