: Island County Extension Agent, Donald B. Meehan
CONTROLLING TERMITES
This is the time of the year when we will all begin to see flying creatures filling the skies. Many people will think they are Carpenter Ants, but they are really termites. Last week I noticed my first one of the season, it was in my kitchen. I am gambling it came from out-of-doors.
Termites are among the most important structural insect pests in the Northwest. Only Carpenter Ants rival them in importance. Termites feed on wood or wood products, and their digestive tracts contain microorganisms which enable them to convert the cellulose in wood into usable food. Most termites need moist conditions to become established.
There are two common species of termites in Washington. These include the Pacific Dampwood Termite and the Western Subterranean Termite. The Dampwood Termite is the main concern we have on Whidbey Island. I have had a couple of cases in the last few years where Subterranean Termites were involved.
Termites are often confused with ants. The termite has straight, bead-like antennae, while those of ants are elbowed. The abdomen of the termite is broadly joined to the thorax (no waist), while the ant's thorax and abdomen are joined by a narrow pedicel (wasp waist).
The winged form of the Dampwood Termite may exceed one inch in length including wings. They are cream-colored to dark brown. The soldiers have a large reddish brown to blackish head and a cream-colored body. They are approximately 3/4 inch long with the head and jaws comprising about one-third of their length. Since there is no worker in this species, the nymphs perform this function. They are white to cream-colored and about 1/2 inch long.
High moisture levels are necessary for attack and establishment of the Dampwood species. Once the Dampwood Termite has gained entry into a wood structure it has the capability to forge into wood that is solid and dry. As colonies mature they produce winged reproductives that leave the nest in swarming flights. These flights usually occur on warm evenings at this time of the year, especially after rains. Carpenter Ants typically swarm in the spring during May.
Certain signs will give clues to the presence of a termite colony in the home. Termite swarms coming from the home are probably the most obvious sign. Since termites depend so heavily on high moisture levels they will not exit the colony except during swarms. Wood that looses its solid sound is often a clue that it has been hollowed out by structural pests such as termites.
If termites are found it is very important to have them identified since the methods to control Dampwood Termites is very different than that used to control Subterranean Termites. Identification can often be done with a sample of the fecal pellets left in the hollowed-out galleries.
There is one major step that you can take to prevent and control Dampwood Termites from invading your home. That step is to avoid situations which lead to dampening or rot of structural wood in your home. This condition can come from a variety of places in the home. Failed rain gutters, soil-to-wood contact, water pipes which leak onto wood and poor ventilation under your home are but a few of the conditions.
Controlling termites with pesticides is something that should be left up to a certified pest control operator. Correcting the moisture condition is something that must be addressed even if you have an exterminator destroy a colony.
An excellent publication called "TERMITES: Biology, Prevention and Control" is available from our office for 25 cents. It provides a long list of things you can do to make sure your home is protected from an invasion while you sleep.
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