3 replies to this topic

[escoscottyb]

For those of you who are interested, check out termitat.com   The owner/creator used to work in a museum and is a termite specialist.  I ordered one of these termite habitats and they're really neat.  No queen/king, however, so this may not appeal to some.  

[Cleo]

I have 2 termitats - T1 received in December 2021 & T2 received in January 2022. They have developed very differently.

T2 arrived with about 40 termites, no soldiers. This 2nd one has been about what I expected from the description.

T1, however, has been far different. It arrived with only about 30 termites, 5 of those were soldiers. Within a month or so, all 5 soldiers were gone. Of the remaining termites, all but 7 grew wings. I read that since they couldn't swarm, they would re-absorb the wings & return to normal. Mine didn't. They all died. Of the 7 remaining, 1 has disappeared. The 6 that are left appear to be doing fine.

Of the winged ones, all were dark brown with black wings except for one completely snow white one.

I have discovered in both termitats that they want more than damp wood. They also want WATER. When I water them, I tilt the termitat & inject the water slowly. Termites rush to drink before the water completely soaks into the wood.

I have been very careful to follow the care instructions - constant temp 22-24°C, semi-dark location, careful watering. I have tried contacting the company but got no response. I'm concerned that with a population of only 6 termites, T1 may not survive. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

[PaigeX]

I have 2 termitats - T1 received in December 2021 & T2 received in January 2022. They have developed very differently.

T2 arrived with about 40 termites, no soldiers. This 2nd one has been about what I expected from the description.

T1, however, has been far different. It arrived with only about 30 termites, 5 of those were soldiers. Within a month or so, all 5 soldiers were gone. Of the remaining termites, all but 7 grew wings. I read that since they couldn't swarm, they would re-absorb the wings & return to normal. Mine didn't. They all died. Of the 7 remaining, 1 has disappeared. The 6 that are left appear to be doing fine.

Of the winged ones, all were dark brown with black wings except for one completely snow white one.

I have discovered in both termitats that they want more than damp wood. They also want WATER. When I water them, I tilt the termitat & inject the water slowly. Termites rush to drink before the water completely soaks into the wood.

I have been very careful to follow the care instructions - constant temp 22-24°C, semi-dark location, careful watering. I have tried contacting the company but got no response. I'm concerned that with a population of only 6 termites, T1 may not survive. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.

Screenshot_20220316-153339_Gallery.jpg

First of. The white winged termite just had not coloured up yet and can take a few days or more. Hydration: With the ones in my backyard, if i place them into a box to keep/breed I always add a test tube of water. They will build around it and actively consume the water. Almost all termites need dampish wood to chew into. The older the wood and more weathered it is the better. In other words, young wood that was just cut down will not do. it needs to dry for a year or more to be suitable. 
Also some termites live with mud also added to their nest.

I would give an outworld with: Test tube of water close to the entrance, some soil/clay, plus rotting wood. 
Termites don't like the light. Try to keep them dark all the time if possible. 
Remember, termites can't digest wood, the symbiotic relationship they have with the bacteria in the gut does that for them. Need to have dampness to help keep things running smoothly. 

[NicholasP]

The biggest problem for me with Termitats is their price. Yes, they're cool and all but I really doubt the nests would cost that much and you could easily find your own termites outside.