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Termites (Isoptera)
- Termites actually consume wood not just dig in it like carpenter ants -
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Summary: Termites are the most important wood destroying insects in warm climates. Unlike most other wood-damaging insects termites can digest wood fiber and use it for food.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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 Termites [pictures of termites] are small, delicate insects that live inside climate-controlled colonies that are constructed in the soil or in wood. Termite colonies are organized into castes (right) with large "reproductives" and smaller workers and soldiers.
Termites eat wood. They convert wood fiber (cellulose) into sugar. Over time a large termite colony can do extensive damage to structures made of wood. Termites often consume wood from the inside out.
There are many different types of termites. Most occur in tropical, semi-tropical, or hot, arid (desert) climates. Carpenter ants replace termites in cooler and wetter climates as the dominant structural pest.
Subterranean termites (right) live in underground colonies on buried wood. When the initial wood supply is depleted the colony may be extended through "shelter tubes" to above ground wood. This is when damage to structures is done.
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A subterranean termite worker - a "sub" - (close-up). Compare to drawing of worker above.
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| common names: "subs", formosan, "white ants" |
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Shelter tubes are made from soil particles and thus are the color and texture of the local soil. The tubes are built on foundation walls, posts, pilings, etc. -- anything that spans between soil and wood [termite entry points drawing]. Look for termite shelter tubes during annual inspections for insect and water damage and if tubes are found it is an indication that subterranean termites may be active. Other major types of termites such as drywood termites and dampwood termites do not make shelter tubes.
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Subterranean termite control - past & present
Until recently, and since the end of WWII, subterranean termites were controlled in new and existing homes by treating the soil around the foundation with highly toxic and persistent insecticides like chlordane and heptachlor. These organochlorine insecticides were used in the US until they were banned in the 1980's.
Nowadays termite control combines lower toxicity organophosphate and pyrethroid insecticides, applied to the soil, with termite baits that distrupt colonies. Some baits are available for DIY applications. Insecticides that target termites are called termiticides.
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Identification guides, reference and gardening books, etc.
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Mission: To provide accurate, up-to-date and unbiased information for solving common insect and mite problems around your home, business and landscape using least-toxic methods.
Jack DeAngelis, Ph.D.
Please see the Disclaimer statements as well (sorry, but these really are necessary).
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