Termites

There are three main types of termites that can cause problems for homeowners in Central Texas- native subterranean termites, formosan subterranean termites and drywood termites.  To identify termites you will need to obtain soldiers (ones with a hard head with large mandibles) or reproductives with wings.

Native subterranean termie soldier.

Native subterranean termites have nests in the soil and must maintain contact with soil or an above-ground moisture source to survive.  If native subterranean termites move to areas above ground they make shelter (mud) tubes of fecal material, saliva and soil to protect themselves.

Formosan subterranean termite soldiers.

Formosan termites are a more voracious type of subterranean termite.  These termites have been spread throughout Texas through transport of infested material or soil.  Formosan termites build carton nests that allow them to survive above ground without contact with the soil.  Nests are often located in hollow spaces, such as wall voids.

Formosan termites feed on a wider variety of cellulose than other subterranean termites, including live plants, consuming both spring and summer growth wood whereas native subterranean termites feed only on spring growth.    Formosan termites have also been known to chew through non-cellulose materials such as soft metals, plaster or plastic.

Drywood termite pellets (fecal material).

Drywood termites do not need contact with soil and reside in sound, dry wood.  These termites obtain moisture from the wood they digest. Drywood termites create a dry fecal pellet that can be used as an identifying characteristic.  They have smaller colonies- around 1,000 termites- than subterranean termites; they also do not build shelter tubes.

If you are concerned that you may have termites, call a pest management professional to inspect your home for termites.

Termite Management for Homeowners

Sun Tzu said "If you know the enemy and know yourself you need not fear the results of a hundred battles."

Most people don't think about termites until they have to, and generally that is when they find termites eating their home. While that is also the approach that I take, it's always good to have information before a problem becomes a problem so that you know your options...know thy enemy, right?

I am holding a class on termites next week and again in March. The class, I hope, will arm homeowners with information so they feel comfortable discussing management options for termites with pest professionals. Do you know how termites look for food? Can you tell the difference between ants and termites? Come to learn how to identify the types of termites found in Central Texas and their management options.

February class details
When: Thursday, February 17, 2011 9:30- 10:30 a.m.
Where: Travis County Extension Office 1600-B Smith Road Austin, TX 78721

March class details
When: Wednesday, March 30, 2011 1:00- 2:00 p.m.
Where: Travis County Extension Office 1600-B Smith Road Austin, TX 78721

Invasive Landscape Pests Seminar

April 16, 2009 1-3 p.m.

Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas

17360 Coit Road Dallas, TX 75252

It started in the 1950s with fire ants and the invasion continues today. Newly imported and exotic insect pests threaten to disrupt Texas horticulture, upset natural ecosystems and cause added expense and heartache for home owners.

Master Volunteers and landscape maintenance professionals have an important role to play as critical “first detectors” of these new pests. This two hour seminar will address new or potential exotic pests likely to be found in our region. We will learn about the new chilli thrips, pink hibiscus mealybug, azalea bark scale, emerald ash borer, Formosan termite and Caribbean crazy
ants. Hands-on sessions will focus on identification and management. You will also learn steps to take if you suspect you have found a new pest. Be the first in your community to be ready for these new invaders.

Training will be held in the Pavilion building at the Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas on April 16th from 1:00-3:00. The meeting is free and open to all Master
Volunteers, garden club members, rosarians, landscape professionals or any citizens with a green thumb. Trainers will include Extension entomologists Allen Knutson, Scott Ludwig, Mike Merchant, and Kim Schofield.

If you would like to attend, please let us know by April 15th.
To register, or for more information, contact the Dallas AgriLife Center at 972-231-5362 or email m-merchant@tamu.edu