Eastern Subterranean Termite

Eastern Subterranean Termite

Common Name:

Eastern Subterranean Termite

Scientific Name:

Reticulitermes flavipes

Description:

Swarmers are about 3/8″ (10mm) long including wings. Body is dark brown to almost black. Two pair of wings that are even in length. Straight antennae body uniform in width. Waist is not narrow or not narrow or pinched. Workers and soldiers are cream colored and will avoid light and disturbance. You can see a picture of eastern subterranean termite workers on the right.

Places Most Commonly Found:

Most widely distributed termite in North America. Occurs south of a line where average minimum temperature is -22 degrees F (-30 C). Mature colonies number from 60,000 to over a million workers capable of consuming 1/5 ounce of wood per day. Colonies usually located in the ground below the frost line but above the water table. Mud tubes are built to cross areas of adverse conditions between the colony and food sources. Actively and aggressively attack wood structures from ground to top sill plates. When feeding within walls, sheet-rock may become grooved or pocketed with small bore holes.

Most Active Period:

Active year round. Swarmers usually appear in the spring but may possibly be followed by one or more smaller swarms until winter. Swarming occurs during the daytime, typically during the morning of the day following a warm rain.

Difficulty of Control:

Difficult to control without preventive treatment. Moderate to easy to eliminate existing infestations, however damage has most likely occurred before the termites are discovered.

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