Termites: Identification, Prevention and Control

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Termites belong to the insect order Isoptera. The term "Isoptera" is Latin and means "same wing," which refers to the similarity in size of the front and hind wings of the reproductive forms. Most species of termites have microscopic, one-celled animals, called protozoa, within their intestines that convert wood cellulose into sugar, allowing termites to feed on wood or paper. Termites have a highly developed insect social structure, living in large colonies in the soil or in chambers carved in dead or, sometimes, living wood colonies are composed of castes, specialized forms of individuals that include soldiers, reproductives, and, in some species, workers. These pests cause serious damage to wooden structures and posts and may also attack stored food, household furniture, and even plastics. Identification Termites are sometimes confused with winged forms of ants, which also leave their underground nests in large numbers to establish new colonies and swarm in a manner similar to reproductive stages of termites. However, ants and termites can be distinguished by checking three features their antennae, wings, and waist. Subterranean Termites Subterranean termites require moist environments. To satisfy this need, they usually nest in or near the soil and maintain some connection with the soil through tunnels in wood or through shelter tubes that they construct. Much of the damage they cause occurs in foundation and structural support wood. The Western Subteranean termite (Reticulitermes Hesperus) is the most destructive of all termites found in California. Colonies include reproductive, worker, and soldier castes. Reproductive winged forms of subterranean termites are dark brown to brownish black, with brownish gray wings. On warm, sunny days following fall or sometimes spring rains, swarms of reproductives may sometimes be seen. Soldiers are wingless with white bodies and pale yellow heads. Their long, narrow heads have no eyes. Workers are slightly smaller than reproductives, wingless, and have a shorter head than soldiers; they are colored similar to soldiers. Drywood Termites Drywood termites infest dry, undecayed wood, including structural lumber as well as dead limbs of native trees and shade and orchard trees, utility poles, posts, and lumber in storage. From these areas, winged reproductives seasonally migrate to nearby buildings and other structures usually on sunny days during fall months. Drywood termites are the most typical termite in southern California, but also occur along most coastal regions, the central valley, and southern desert.Drywood termites have a low moisture requirement and can tolerate dry conditions for prolonged periods. They remain entirely above ground and do not connect their nests to the soil, but piles of their fecal pellets, which are distinctive in appearance, may be a clue to their presence. The fecal pellets are elongate (about 0.03 inch or 0.8 mm long) with rounded ends and have six flattened or roundly depressed surfaces separated by six longitudinal ridges. Winged adults of western drywood termites (Incisitermes minor) are dark brown with smoky black wings and have a reddish brown head and thorax; wing veins are black. These insects are noticeably larger than subterranean termites. Winged forms of the desert drywood termite, Marginitermes hubbardi, are pale. Soldiers of this species have a clublike third antennal segment that is almost as long as all the succeeding segments combined, easily distinguishing them from other species. Dampwood Termites Dampwood termites nest in wood buried in the ground, although contact with the ground is not necessary when infested wood is high in moisture. Because of their high moisture requirements, dampwood termites most often are found in cool, humid areas along the coast and are typical pests of beach houses. The Nevada dampwood termite (Zootermopsis nevadensis), however, occurs in the higher, drier mountainous areas of the Sierra where it is an occasional pest of mountain cabins and other forest structures; it also occurs along the northern California coast.

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