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Shaku Nair, Dawn H. Gouge, Shujuan Li
University of Arizona
Termites are regarded as one of the major pests in urban community environments, often dreaded because of their devastating effects on wood in homes and structures. However, they play a vital role in nature by recycling wood and other cellulose-based organic matter and returning it to the soil, enhancing soil structure with their tunneling activities. They also serve as a food source to a variety of predators in the landscape.
Termites are social insects and live in organized colonies containing different castes, each performing specific functions and varying in their appearance (Fig. 1). A typical nest contains a single pair or several ‘reproductives’, workers and soldiers. The reproductives or ‘alates’ are often larger than the other castes, and have fully functional eyes and wings, but the wings are shed during their mating flights.
Fig. 1. Termite workers (cream colored, round heads) and soldiers (dark heads and mandibles).
Photo: Gary Alpert, Bugwood.org.
Termites are sometimes called “white ants” because they look similar. However, here are some characters that can help to differentiate between them (Fig. 2). Ants have two pairs of transparent wings of unequal size, while termites have four equal-sized wings that generally fold over the back. In addition, ants have a narrow “waist” behind their wings, but the abdomen is completely straight in termites. The antennae of ants are elbowed, whereas the antennae of termites are straight and filamentous.
Fig. 2. Differences between winged ants and termites.
Photo: University of Kentucky Entomology.
Termites are broadly classified based on their habitat: drywood, dampwood and subterranean.
Major groups of termites in Arizona
Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are by far the most common and most destructive termites in the arid southwest. They get their name from habit of nesting below ground level. In their natural habitat, they attack various kinds of woody material, including roots and stems of desert trees and bushes, cactus ribs, and other desert plants. When homes and other structures are built in these settings and their natural food sources are removed, they begin to attack the structures causing considerable economic damage.
Although they prefer dead and moist wood, they are widely known to consume dry, sound wood as well as other materials that contain cellulose such as paper, cardboard and fabric. Around homes and structures, damage is commonly noticed on utility poles and posts, structural timbers such as floors, beams and rafters.
Subterranean termites nest below the soil surface, but can enter structures through wood that is in direct contact with soil, or by building shelter tubes. Any material directly connecting a structure to the soil, including trees, vines or plumbing fixtures, can serve as a pathway to infestation. Subterranean termites have been reported to chew through foam insulation boards, plaster, drywall, thin lead and copper sheeting, and even asphalt in an attempt to reach food sources. They are known to spread wood decaying fungi. Tunnels or cavities in damaged wood generally ALONG the grain of wood (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3. Damage by subterranean termites.
Photo: Jim Kalisch, Univ. of Nebraska.
Signs:
Fig. 4. Subterranean termite shelter tubes.
Photo: USDA Forest Service.
Drywood termites
Drywood termites attack all types of dry sound wood including structural lumber, dead limbs on trees, utility poles, decks, fences, lumber in storage, and furniture. They are capable of infesting dry, sound wood that is not in contact with the ground.
Dead trees, branches, brush and firewood from residential areas are their primary habitat. When land is cleared and houses or other buildings constructed, these structures are then subject to attack. Alates periodically swarm from infested wood to infest additional nearby wood. Drywood termites enter structures through attic or foundation vents, directly through or under wood shingles, under eaves and fascia boards, and through natural cracks, checks and joints in exposed wood trim, window and door frames and sills. They can penetrate flat wood surfaces, but prefer to wedge themselves into narrow places to begin tunneling. Tunnels or cavities in damaged wood generally ACROSS the grain of wood.
Fig. 5. Drywood termite pellets.
Photo: Kevin (ibkev2002).
Signs:
Dampwood termites
Typically, dampwood termites infest large pieces of wood that are in contact with, or buried in soil. Wood damaged by dampwood termites shows large numbers of large, open and irregular tunnels that vary greatly in shape and size. Fecal pellets are found throughout the tunnels. Individual pellets are about 1/25 inch long, hard, smooth and elongated oval in shape like a football. The pellets often lose their shape because of the moist conditions in the galleries, and form clumps or a muddy paste if there is too much moisture. In drier wood, the pellets collect within the galleries, and may also be expelled out of the wood.
As with drywood termites, presence of fecal pellets alone does not indicate an active infestation. If pellets in a spot are removed and new ones appear in a few days, an active infestation may be present. Due to their preference for high moisture, the presence of dampwood termites is an indicator of water leaks or wood decay in a structure.
Fig. 6. Dampwood termite worker with moist fecal pellets.
Photo: Lynette Schimming.
Signs:
How to know if you have termites?
Preventing termite infestations
Treating termite infestations
There are a number of non-chemical and chemical methods of treatment available. However, it is best to seek professional help to treat an established termite infestation, because it requires specialized knowledge and equipment to identify, access and apply treatments effectively.
"Do-it-yourself" over-the-counter products are rarely effective. Not all pest control service providers are experienced in treating for termites, so choose your provider carefully. Gain an understanding about the products used and time intervals to re-enter treated buildings.
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Not all termites are terrible! There are far many more termite species that do no structural damage. If you find many relatively large termite tubes covering the ground, plants and walls they could be harmless desert termites doing us a favor breaking down leaf litter and recycling organic matter. |
Read more about Arizona termites in our Extension publications:
Arizona Termites of Economic Importance: https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1369.pdf
Termite Management for Homeowners:
https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1356.pdf
Know the difference! Termites are not the only insects that damage wood!
Carpenter ants
These large ants can damage wooden structures by nesting in them, but they do not eat wood. They chew along or across the grain of the wood, creating clean and smooth tunnels. The tunnels may resemble subterranean termite tunnels, but can be distinguished by absence of soil or termite tubes.
Carpenter bees
These solitary bees burrow into wooden structures to build nests and can potentially weaken the structure in isolated cases. Although, technically, they are a “wood-boring insect”, they cannot be considered a true structural pest. They do not eat wood, and will not spread throughout the structure, but they will attack any outside wood that is not painted or finished.
Wood-boring beetles
Several species of wood-boring beetles (e.g. powderpost beetles) may also bore into wood and produce fine, powder-like wood particles by their activities. Their galleries and wood powder are very different from termite frass.
Read more about these insects and termites too, in our publication “Handbook on Pests of Community Environments in the Desert Southwest United States” https://acis.cals.arizona.edu/community-ipm/handbook-on-pests
Worm Update: Jumping Worms Confirmed in Arizona!
The Asian jumping worm, Amynthas agrestis has been confirmed in Maricopa County, AZ.
Jumping worms (Amynthas spp.) are spreading to new regions in the U.S. so it is good to be aware and on the lookout for them. If you think you have encountered jumping worms in your landscape, your local Cooperative Extension Office might be able to help getting them identified. (Fig. 9).
Read the National Pest Alert on jumping worms here: https://www.ncipmc.org/communications/pest-alerts/jumping-worms/
The term “jumping worm” could refer to different species of earthworms in the genus Amynthas (or incorrectly to other worms encountered in the soil). The name comes from their vigorous wriggling and jumping movements when disturbed, as compared to other common species of earthworms (e.g., the common earthworm Lumbricus terrestris). True jumping worms are considered an invasive species, and have been reported in several eastern and northern states in the USA. Not only do they move faster than other earthworms, but they also convert soil litter faster and reproduce faster too. Thus, they could rapidly outcompete existing earthworm and other soil-dwelling invertebrates and bring about significant changes in the soil structure and ecosystem.
Fig. 9. Elements to look for when trying to identify jumping worms.
Credit: Linda Tucker Serniak and Joanne Schneidermann Dole,
Oregon State University Extension
Read more about jumping worms here:
Answer: Bushy tailed wood rat.
Congratulations to Master Pest Detective
Dr. Pedro Andrade Sanchez, University of Arizona
Identify the cause of these signs.
If you know the answer, email Dawn at dhgouge@arizona.edu. You will not win anything if
you are correct, but you will be listed as a “Master Pest Detective” in the next newsletter issue.
Registration Open! Pest Management and Pesticide Safety Seminars for Turf and Landscapes, organized by the UA Turfgrass Science Program and Arizona Pest Management Center.
New location added! Friday, November 15th at Controlled Environment Ag Center, 1951 E Roger Rd, Tucson, AZ 85719.
Thursday, November 21st at Ocotillo Golf Club Pavilion, 3751 S. Clubhouse Drive, Chandler AZ 85248.
Friday, November 22nd at Lecture Hall, Recreation Centers of Sun City West, 19803 R.H. Johnson Blvd, Sun City West, AZ 85375.
All events will feature the same content, with presentations by experts on various aspects of turf and landscape pest management and pesticide safety. Six AZ Dept. of Ag. ESD (Ag.), PMD (OPM) and GCSAA CEUs approved!
Please note – The event will earn you 6 CEUs only and you only need to attend one day. Attending on multiple days will not earn double or triple the number, because the course is the same.
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-pest-management-and-pesticide-safety-for-turf-landscape-tickets-1044290289367
EPA Webinars about Integrated Pest Management
Upcoming webinar: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR ARBORISTS AND FORESTERS (90-minute webinar). Tue, Nov 19, 2024 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM MST.
Warren Buffet said, “Someone is sitting in shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” Keeping trees healthy and free from pests using integrated pest management is a delicate science of both understanding tree species and the pests that are harming them. This webinar will provide information on common symptoms of unhealthy trees, options for treating the issues, and IPM-based tactics, including biopesticides, for controlling various key tree pests. We will focus on IPM approaches to maintenance and pest management for trees in urban, suburban, and park settings. Register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4159455127493061982
View recordings of archived EPA Integrated Pest Management Webinars at https://www.epa.gov/managing-pests-schools/upcoming-integrated-pest-management-webinars.
For more information about the EPA Schools program: http://www.epa.gov/schools/
Arizona Pest Professional Association and University of Arizona would like to invite you to attend the Vertebrate Academy, December 12-13, 2024. Don’t miss this comprehensive event offering expert training on bird and wildlife management. Enhance your skills, gain hands-on experience, and connect with industry leaders over two action-packed days! Each day includes the same 6 CEU hours. Register here: https://www.azppo.org/event-5914818
What’s Bugging You? First Friday Events (New York State IPM Program)
Fridays | 12:00 pm. – 12:30 p.m. EDT | Zoom | Free but registration required.
In this monthly virtual series, we explore timely topics to help you use integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. What is IPM? It's a wholistic approach that uses different tools and practices to not only reduce pest problems, but to also address the reasons why pests are there in the first place. Each month, our speakers will share practical information about how you can use IPM. Register for upcoming events.
What’s Bugging You First Friday events are also available in Spanish. Individuals interested in these events can find more information on this website: https://cals.cornell.edu/new-york-state-integrated-pest-management/outreach-education/events/whats-bugging-you-webinars/conozca-su-plaga
Urban and Community IPM Webinars (Host: University of California)
UC Statewide IPM Program Urban and Community webinar series is held the third Thursday of every month to teach about pest identification, prevention and management around the home and garden. This series is free but advanced registration is required. Dates and topics below, all begin at noon Pacific. https://ucanr.edu/sites/ucipm-community-webinars/
The next International IPM Symposium will be held March 3-6, 2025, at Paradise Point in San Diego.
To make the content more meaningful, prospective attendees are being asked to full out a three-question survey about potential public health, community and structural IPM topics they'd like to hear more about at the symposium.
To view previous University of Arizona newsletters, visit: https://acis.cals.arizona.edu/community-ipm/home-and-school-ipm-newsletters.
Acknowledgements
This material is in part funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture, under award number 2021-70006-35385 that provides Extension IPM funding to the University of Arizona. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or those of other funders.
We respectfully acknowledge the University of Arizona is on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples. Today, Arizona is home to 22 federally recognized tribes, with Tucson being home to the O’odham and the Yaqui. Committed to diversity and inclusion, the University strives to build sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service.
