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Rainforrest Termites???

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Rainforrest Termites???

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(@Cherri)
Posts: 1
 

Took a ride to the forrest area of St. Croix and noticed these big balls on some trees about the size of a 30 gallon garbage can. Could this be a termite nest as I was told it was?

 
Posted : January 21, 2003 9:50 am
(@ronusvi)
Posts: 1134
Noble Member
 

Yes, it was!
Ronnie

 
Posted : January 21, 2003 9:58 am
(@Cherri)
Posts: 1
 

I have never seen termites building nests in trees. Is there a major problem with termites in the islands? I was told that some termites eat through concrete in the islands and eat your furniture. This is so strange to me.

 
Posted : January 21, 2003 10:03 am
 Kris
(@Kris)
Posts: 1
 

You haven't lived until you've experienced a swarming. What an undelightful experience!

 
Posted : January 21, 2003 10:07 am
(@theislander)
Posts: 3881
Famed Member Admin
 

Hello Cherri,

Termites in trees - yes thats what it is. You will see them in forested areas, Northside of St. Thomas, forested areas of the National Park on St. John and the forest in St. Croix. They are usually big brown encrusted looking balls up in trees. If you get close to them you will usually see a trail made of the same material leading to and from the ball, the transportation system for the termites to go and come, looking for food. The termites in the trees look like big ants, is the closest thing to describe them. Termites eating concrete - yeah I heard that too growing up in St. Thomas - LOL not sure about its truth. Never had any termites eating the concrete house I lived in. LOL. 🙂 Although the wooden furniture from time to time might get termites in them, they look a little different then the tree termites, but do a great deal of damage. When it rains a lot the termites fly around, attracted to light, they usually manauver their way into the house - probally what Kris is talking about, very very annoying. In the morning you find their wings everywhere on windows and on the ground, the termites themselves disappear into your wood furniture and trees no doubt. 🙂

I wouldn't call it a major problem. It is a problem for homeowners and folks with wooden homes or wooden porches...

--Islander

 
Posted : January 21, 2003 6:12 pm

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