These nests are usually in live, healthy trees. One might think, "OH NO!" But they don't harm the trees. Their mission is to eat dead wood and leaf material. I'm sure if there weren't any termites the tropics would be buried in plant debris. They have a second job as well. The small local parrots make their nests inside live, active termite nests.
I took this picture of a pair from some distance away and then blew it up so that's why it's fuzzy. But you get the idea. They are rather gregarious and noisy birds that like to fly around together in small flocks.
When it rains hard termites may suddenly grow wings and fly all over the place, landing and dropping their wings. Sweeping up the wings is difficult as they have that fly-away quality of not staying put. Usually though, the termites behave themselves and stay out in the yard doing their termite thing.
Here in the Texas Hill Country the termites are a bit more sinister. They are not out there in the open where you can see them. They make their nests and tunnels underground. They are sneaky and can chew their way through things long before you know they are there.
Recently we discovered we had termites in various places in our yard. Some are too darn close to the house for comfort. So we've gotten the perimeters of our home and out-buildings professionally treated. It was quite the deal and not all that cheap.
However, safeguarding our abode is a priority, particularly since we both agree we would like to be here at least another 20 years.
Dealing with these termites got me thinking about things that chew on us and prevent us from doing what we want or keep us from writing.
Are your personal termites external or internal? Can you see them and know where they are or are they invisible to your inner eye? Are they chewing up useless dead wood? Or are they, unbeknownst to you, devouring a precious piece of internal furniture?
Better check.
When it rains hard termites may suddenly grow wings and fly all over the place, landing and dropping their wings. Sweeping up the wings is difficult as they have that fly-away quality of not staying put. Usually though, the termites behave themselves and stay out in the yard doing their termite thing.
Here in the Texas Hill Country the termites are a bit more sinister. They are not out there in the open where you can see them. They make their nests and tunnels underground. They are sneaky and can chew their way through things long before you know they are there.
Recently we discovered we had termites in various places in our yard. Some are too darn close to the house for comfort. So we've gotten the perimeters of our home and out-buildings professionally treated. It was quite the deal and not all that cheap.
However, safeguarding our abode is a priority, particularly since we both agree we would like to be here at least another 20 years.
Dealing with these termites got me thinking about things that chew on us and prevent us from doing what we want or keep us from writing.
Are your personal termites external or internal? Can you see them and know where they are or are they invisible to your inner eye? Are they chewing up useless dead wood? Or are they, unbeknownst to you, devouring a precious piece of internal furniture?
Better check.
