Termites

Pestgon FactSheet

Termites: (Isoptera)

Description:
Termites are often not visible since they reside in galeries they excavate in wood internally, both above ground (dry wood termites), and underground (subterranean termites). In the United States, termites have been reported infesting houses as early as 1849. They are most often first encountered as "appearing from nowhere" durring a swarming event, or when cutting or breaking open infested wood. The most common termites encountered by Pestgon Inc. are Drywood Termites (Incisitermes minor). They appear white in color (workers), to tan with a darker head (soldiers), Soldier termites brandish obvious dark mandibles and will protect the colony from other insect invaders. They are about 3/8 of an inch long, with a large head and ring separations around their rounded abdomen. Termite reproductives grow two sets of wings and swarm in large numbers in the spring and fall. In the case of Drywood Termites, the presence of swarmers in a structure indicates that the colony has been established for at least five years.

Biology:
Termites are specialists at boring wood and eating the soft cellulose between the wood ribs. Subterranean termites reside in damp soil in search of decaying or buried wood. They will create mud tubes from ground level that extend up into the ground floor wood framing of a structure infesting substructures of buildings. Dry wood termites generally seek drywood above ground, such as wood siding, window frames and attics. Finding a pile of tiny pellets (like sand) that has fallen out of small holes in a piece of wood is, usually the prime evidence of a dry wood termite infestation. Termites reproduce in large numbers, so given time, they are capable of causing significant damage to your house or commercial building!

Economic Impact:
Termites are a significant cause for concern, as one of the most damaging pests to the commercial property owner and homeowner. In the U.S. alone, the economic losses to property are in the billions of dollars annually.

Management Methods:
Regular inspections and identification of the termite species by a Pestgon professional, is essential. Based on the termite inspection, Pestgon, Inc. may reccommend treating just the infested area of a building or if the infestation is extensive, the situation may require fumigating the entire building. Subterranean termites can be found in sub-areas, under a concrete slabs and often enter through expansion joints or cracks in the foundation. Treatment can call for drilling and treating the subsoil. Additional treatment methods for subterranean termites include the use of underground bait stations. Wood that is specially baited with an approved termiticide is eaten and carried by the worker termites to their underground nest that could kill the whole colony before they have a chance to attack the building.

Additional Links
Subterranean Termites
Drywood Termites