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Native Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes spp.)
Introduction
Subterranean termites are social insects that live in nests or colonies in the soil. They contain three forms or castes: reproductives, workers (pseudergates) and soldiers. Individuals of each caste have several stages: the egg; the larva that develops into a pseudergate and eventually into a brachypterous nymph or soldier; and the adult.
Caste Characteristics
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Workers
- Make up the largest number of individuals within a colony.
- They are wingless
- White to creamy white in color
- 1/4 to 3/8 inch in length
- They feed the other castes, groom the queen, excavate the nest and make tunnels
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Soldiers
- Body white to creamy white in color
- Have large, well-developed head
- Strong mandibles
- They defend the colony against invaders, primarily ants
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Alates
- Color varies from coal black to pale yellow-brown
- Wings may be pale or smoky gray to brown
- Wings have few distinct veins
- They are 1/4 to 3/8 inch in length
Damage
Subterranean termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States. They cause more than $2 billion in damages each year. Dead trees and brush are the original food source of subterranean termites. When land is cleared of this material and houses are built on these sites, termites attack the structures. Termites can enter buildings through wood in direct contact with the soil, by building shelter tubes over or through foundations, or by entering directly through cracks or joints in and under foundations.
Distribution
The map below shows that subterranean termites are found through out the continental United States. Their concentration ranges from low to high with the higher concentration being the southeastern portion of the United States.
