·         INTRODUCTION

Termites are a huge problem because they eat wood and damage houses and buildings. Old measures of detection are difficult and rely on knocking on wood. Thermal imaging is being used to successfully locate termites in buildings in a non-destructive manner.

Finding termites can be difficult, yet knowing where they are located is important when deciding on the correct eradication program. The traditional method is to simply tap on the wood with the back of a screwdriver, or to poke holes in walls or even pull them apart. Thermal imaging offers a new, high technological detection system that is quick, effective and does not require any damage to houses.

·         HEAT PATTERNS OF TERMITES IN HOUSES

Thermal imaging technology detects heat patterns. When termites invade buildings, the normal heat patterns of the walls, floors and roof are changed due to the presence of termites. The thermal camera records this change in heat patterns and indicates the exact location of any termite infestation. A color image shows hot spots as red or yellow and cold spots as blue or purple and these heat patterns indicate termite infestations.

Termite are a type of insect that is considered cold-blooded; how can they generate heat?

Termites are hosts to bacteria, which live in their gut, and these bacteria help break down and digest cellulose, the main component of wood. It is this digestion and chemical reaction that generates the heat.

Termites get their food by eating wood, which is made up of mainly cellulose. A special bug called protozoa, lives in the stomach of termites and these protozoa helps to break down the cellulose. The digestion of cellulose generates heat and when large numbers of termites in nests get together, there is a lot of heat concentrated in one place. This heat moves through the walls or floor of a house and it is this thermal pattern that can be detected with the thermal imaging equipment.

If termites invade a house, in as little as six weeks, a small colony can form and considerable damage can be done as the termites eat through the timber parts of the house and start colonizing. They must stay out of the light and keep to the darker and damper areas inside the walls, floor and roof spaces. They need to control their temperature and may do this by generating heat as they stay in large groups, or building moist mud structures to keep cool in hot conditions. They are attached to warm areas around power points and washing machines. An inspection with a thermal camera will detect these changes in heat patterns, whereas conventional methods will keep these colonies hidden.

·         TERMITE PROBLEMS COSTS MILLIONS

It has often been stated that termite damage costs more than damage done by fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes COMBINED. With the conventional method of finding termites, it can often be too late and the damage can run in the thousands of dollars. With the use of thermal imaging, termites can be found early and before extensive damage occurs.

·         SUMMARY

Thermal imaging is being successfully used to detect termite infestations in houses. The heat patterns from termite colonies are detected by sensitive thermal cameras and the changes in the thermal patterns can be detected in floors, walls, and ceiling spaces. Insects are considered as cold-blooded creatures but heat is associated with their presence, due to the metabolic processes of digesting wood and cellulose. Termites also control their thermal environment by building moist mud structures, which can show up on thermal imaging equipment as cool spots in a wall cavity.

Termites can remain hidden behind walls, under floors, and above ceilings for years before being discovered. With the use of thermal imaging, the termites can be found before it’s too late. We can GUARANTEE the termites are gone with our technology. Can anyone else?
 

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