IPM for Subterranean Termites Chapter 1 Section V – Termite Control Master of the Pest Bear & Affiliates Service Personnel Development Program 2005 Copyright

IPM for Subterranean Termites

Chapter 1

Section V – Termite Control Master

of the

Pest Bear & AffiliatesService Personnel Development Program

2005

Copyright @ 2005-2006, Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

What You Will Learn About Subterranean Termites

How to identify termites

How termites live

The biology of termites

How termites cause damage

What termite damage looks like


You Can Learn About

Basic Building Construction

How to inspect for termites

Concepts of termite control

What equipment is recommended for a high-tech inspection

Formosan Termites

Monitoring/Baiting for termites


General Information About TermitesTermites are members of the Order Isoptera, which means equal wings (the reproductives have four wings, all of which are equal in length).

Termites are primitive insects and are closely related to cockroaches.

Termites are capable of converting cellulose, the primary component of wood and wood products, into humus.

Termites can digest cellulose because of a one-celled organism (protozoa) found in their gut.

Termites are social insects and have distinct castes.

Each termite colony is self supporting and independent of other colonies.


General Information About Subterranean Termites (Subs)

Subs have a caste system including

Workers

Soldiers

Reproductives



Workers and nymphal reproductives do all the work in the colony

Building the nest

Gathering food

Feeding the soldiers and reproductives

Workers and nymphs do all the damage to structures



Soldiers guard the colony from attack

Workers and soldiers are blind


General Information About Reproductive Subs

There are primary and secondary reproductives in a subterranean colony.

Winged adults are referred to as alates or primary reproductives,

They emerge from the colony at certain times of the year in great numbers - this is called a “swarm”.


General Information About Reproductive Subs

After a swarm, the reproductives lose their wings and attempt to start a new colony.

Very few swarmers will survive and start a new colony.

Secondary reproductives are non-pigmented and usually occur in large numbers (they are responsible for producing the large numbers of eggs).


How Termites Develop and Live

Termites have a gradual metamorphosis - egg, nymph and adult.

Termites develop from a egg laid by a primary or secondary reproductive female.

Nymphs hatch and undergo several molts.

Adults develop into one of four castes:

workers

soldiers

secondary reproductives

primary reproductives

In new colonies the first to hatch are all workers.


There Are Three Species of Subterranean Commonly Found

Eastern Subterranean Termites - Reticulitermes flavipes

swarms from Feb to June, Sept to Novswarm year round when associated with heated slabs

Light Southeastern Subterranean Termites - Reticulitermes hageni

swarms Aug to Oct, Oct to Feb in Florida

Southeastern Subterranean Termites - Reticulitermes virginicus

swarms May to June, Oct to Nov


Worker TermitesWorkers are the most numerous forms in the colony.Workers perform all the work of the colony.In the process of making tunnels and building the nest, they consume and digest cellulose.The destruction of the wood is what makes the subterranean termite economically important.Workers are light colored and have no developed wings or other specialized structures.Workers are often confused with ants and in some parts of the world, termites are called “white Ants” or “Wood Worms”.


Soldier Termites

Soldier termites serve the specific purpose of protecting the colony.

Soldier termites have an enlarged head and large mandibles.

When a break occurs in the structure of the tunnels or the nest, the soldiers gather around the break and insert their mandibles and head into the break to protect the colony from invasion.


Secondary Reproductive TermitesSecondary reproductives are also referred to as “supplementary reproductives”

Both sexes are wingless and have rudimentary wing pads.

They are developed as needed and quickly replace the queen if she is injured or dies.

The secondary reproductives are the primary producers of eggs in the colony.

If secondary reproductives, with males, soldiers and workers become isolated from the colony, they may create a new colony without being visible above the ground.


Primary Reproductive Termitesprimary reproductives are the caste most often seen by homeowners - they are the “swarmers”.

The adults are dark in color and have four wings of equal length.

Swarmers are not usually found in colonies which are less than a year old.

Swarms usually occur in the spring or fall and both males and females will leave the colony in great numbers.

Swarms usually occur on warm sunny days, when the humidity is high (a foggy spring morning, with a rising temperature at mid morning is ideal).


Termite Swarms

If the conditions are perfect, the swarm will usually occur between mid morning to mid afternoon.

The swarmers make a brief flight, land and break off their wings, and attempt to form a new colony.

Swarmers are practically defenseless and only a very small percentage of the swarmers will survive.

A surviving pair will make a cell, mate and begin to lay eggs.

The first termites produced will be workers and they will be smaller than normal.


Ants Compared to Termites

elbowed antennae

two pair of wings - not equal in length

eyes present and large in all castes

a thin waist

usually swarm in late afternoon or evening

bead like antennae

two pair of wings - equal in length

eyes small or absent with some castes blind

a thick waist

usually swarm in mid morning to afternoon

Ants Termites


How Termite Cause Damage

The workers and nymphs do all the damage.

Termites feed on the spring wood and use the masticated wood for food and to construct their tunnels and colonies.

Termites do structural damage when the eaten wood provided support for the structure.


How Termite Cause Damage

Termites do superficial damage when the wood is not part of the support system of a structure.

Termites will attack any substance which contains cellulose, such as : paper, cotton fabric, carpet backing, money, books, pallets, and even paper wrapping on electrical wiring.


How Termite Cause DamageTermites cause damage due to the shear numbers of workers and nymphs feeding all the time.

Termites control the moisture within their galleries and tunnels, and as long as the termites are actively using these areas, the wood will remain relatively sound.

When termites leave an area or are through feeding in an area, the galleries and tunnels will dry out and the damage will become more evident.

Dried termite damage becomes brittle and the wood collapses.

Old damage and tunnels are the most common indicators of an infestation.


What Does Termite Damage Look Like

Subterranean termite damage is readily distinguished because of the presence of masticated wood and mud in the tunnels and galleries.

Subterranean termite damage looks like a “book” because only the spring wood is eaten away.

When paper or fabric is damaged, it appears as irregular holes and will have traces of mud around the outer edges.

When old damage is found, it will generally be very brittle and will crumble upon being touched.

Subterranean termite damage is not as severe as Formosan termite damage.


Making A Termite Inspection

To make a proper inspection, you need a good lighta probing tool a measuring device an inspection report

The inspector needs knowledge of the biology and identity of the pests included in the inspectionthe appearance of their damagebuilding construction

The key to making a good inspection is being thorough.


Making A Termite Inspection

Start the inspection by preparing an accurate diagram of the property.

As the property is inspected, the inspector should search for evidence of current or prior infestations

swarmer wingsswarmers in spider websmud tunnelsdamaged wood

The location of each piece of evidence should be noted on the structural diagram.

The type and complexity of the construction should also be noted.


Introduction

Termites are one of the most destructive animals encountered by man. They are considered a primary pest insect group and account for millions of dollars in damage annually, around the world.

This presentation addresses the changes which are occurring in the area of termite inspection and detection.


Termite inspection techniques and procedures have followed the trends of the Pest Control Industry and have evolved into a new and highly technical era. The original methods of inspection, while still remaining credible, are being replaced with very dynamic methods and interesting procedures.

Termite inspections are primarily made in an effort to locate infestations of three groups of termites:


Three Groups of Termites

Subterranean Termites

Drywood Termites

Formosan Termites

The groups of termites which are considered to be economically important and are the primary focus of termite inspections are:

Subterranean TermitesHave the following biological characteristics which

affect the procedures followed in an inspection

They require a source of moisture, usually found in the ground

They keep their food supply, the wood they are infesting, moist

They support the areas where they are feeding to prevent collapsing of the wood

They occur in large colonies

They eat the sapwood of softwoods


To inspect for Subterranean Termites you look for:

Mud tunnels

Swarmers

Wings left by swarmers

Damaged wood

Excessively damp wood


Drywood TermitesHave the following biological characteristics which


They do not require a source of moisture and may live in a single board

They do not like their food supply, the wood they are infesting, to be moist

They hollow out galleries and fill them with their fecal pellets

They occur in small colonies but may have several colonies in a structure

They normally infest areas such as window casings or flooring


To inspect for Drywood Termites you look for:

Pellets forced from the galleries

Swarmers


Damaged wood

Paper-thin wood surfaces with a rippled effect

The sound of the termites actually feeding on the wood


Formosan TermitesHave the following biological characteristics which


They do not require a source of moisture and create a “carton” which houses the main colony

They are veracious feeders and literally destroy the wood they feed on

Their colony is usually located in the structure itself

They occur in very large numbers

They may infest the entire structure and cause considerable damage in a short period of time


To inspect for Formosan Termites you look for:

Mud tunnels

Swarmers


Severely damaged wood

Paper-thin wood surfaces with a rippled effect, with the interior completely destroyed

Excessive moisture in the wood

The sound of the termites in the carton on the interior of the wall


Inspection ToolsUsed to Consist of

A good flashlight

A “sounding tool” – small hammer

A probe – screw driver or pick

Good hearing on the part of the inspector

Good eye sight on the part of the inspector


Inspection ToolsThen Added Special Tools

Such As

Stethoscopes

Ocular Devises on Probes

And then

Dogs, especially trained to sniff out termites


Personal protective items

Paper & office supplies

Cleaning supplies

Inspection tools and supplies

Items for specimen collections

Borescope & camera supplies

Specialty tools

Computer and software equipment

The equipment used by a high-tech inspector can be divided into

8 groups


The equipment necessary for a thorough inspection is comprehensive


Personal protection items include Latex disposable gloves

Chemical resistant gloves

Work gloves

Coveralls

Tyvek shoe covers

Dust mask

Protective goggles

Hand sanitizer

Half-face respirator

Band-aids

Antiseptic

Small bottle of water (16 0z.)


Paper & office supplies 4”x4” Avery sticky note pads

½” Avery color dots

Notepad

Pencils & pens

Fine point permanent marking pens

Business cards

Scotch tape

Zip lock bags

Calculator

Graph paper


Cleaning supplies Dirt Devil hand vacuum

Dust pan

Small brush or whisk broom


500 watt portable lightExtra 500 watt bulbElectrical plug duplicatorStrip plugs16 gauge extension cordScissorsXacto knifeDrywall cutter & razor bladePortable hand drills¼” wood bit 12” long¼” concrete bit 12” longAssorted wood markersWood putty & spackling pasteExtra batteries

Drop cloth

100’ measuring tape

Marking chalk

Drywall saw, putty knife

Ice pick, pliers, hammers

Flashlight

3’ & 6’ step ladders

Compass

Stud finder

Wall temperature reader

Wall metal scanner

ULV light

ULV marking pens

Inspection tools & supplies


Specimen collection items Tweezers

10x hand lens

¼ oz collecting vials

Can you identify these termites


To Make A Good Inspection

Be thorough

Be accurate

Know your pests

Document everythingCopyright @ 2005-2006, Central Fla Duplicating, Inc. All rights reserved

Technology will not replace a well trained professional pest manager


There is nothing like a thorough inspectionDetection includes:

Monitoring and knowing good trap placement based on insect biology and behavior

Doing the work, getting dirty

Using a flash light

Moving furniture and debris if need be—needed even “high tech”

Good technicians made better; lazy ones still bad with technology

Need to match level of technology with abilities of work force


Detection Devices

Methane detectors

Moisture meters

Acoustic emissions detector

Infrared cameras

Microwave

Home detection systems

Canine termite detectors


Termites and DamageCryptobiotic

Hidden

Difficult to detectTOP Damage

Termites

BOTTOM


Human Visual Inspection

Most employed method of termite inspection (Scheffrahn et al 1993)

Disadvantages

45% of most structures is not inspectable (Caruba 1981)

Unable to see infestations

Rely on outward signs


Outward Signs

Mud tubes Swarmers


Outward Signs

Damage

Photo by Susan Poag/The Times-Picayune



Dogs and PCOs

Despite effectiveness of scent detection dogs in other areas the pest management industry is hesitant to use scent detection dogsBig investment

Little research

High false positives (especially to damaged wood)


Dogs and PCOs

To be useful to the pest management industry K-9 termite detectors must:Locate termites Have a low rate of false positivesLocate both large and small numbers of

termitesLocate several species of termitesDifferentiate termites from damaged wood

and other insects


Conclusions

A dog can be trained to accurately locate termitesA dog trained with R. flavipes can locate more than

one species of termiteA dog trained with the methods and materials

outlined in this study will not respond to termite-damaged wood, American cockroaches, or Carpenter ants

Dogs are responding to a common odor that exists among the termite species used in this bioassayThis common odor is not associated with P. americana or

C. floridanus


Basic Concepts of Subterranean Termite Control

The basic premise for subterranean termite control is to separate the structure from the termites.

Actually killing the colony is achieved with the use of spot treatments and baits.

Placement of mechanical or chemical barrier between the ground and the structure is only effective if the moisture source for the colony does not exist above the ground level.

A good working knowledge of building construction practices is very important for effectively treating subterranean termites.

Without termite control, no cellulose products are immune to their attack.



Remove all stumps, roots, wood, and similar materials from areas adjacent to the foundation or beneath the structure.

Remove all form boards and grade stakes used in construction.

make sure there is no contact between woodwork and the soil or filled areas.

Exterior wood should be a minimum of 6 inches above ground.

Crawl spaces should be a minimum of 18 above the ground.



Ventilation openings should be designed to prevent dead air spaces.

Ventilation of 2 square feet per 25 linear feet of the outside foundation wall is recommended - this helps to reduce the moisture beneath the structure.

A thorough annual inspection should be conducted to discover evidence of additional termite activity.

If wood must be in contact with the soil, it should be pressure treated.

Stucco should stop a minimum of 4 inches above the ground level.


Basic Concepts of Subterranean Termite Control - off grade construction

Off grade construction is when the structure is supported on piers or a foundation wall.

Termiticide should be applied on all sides of the piers and foundation wall at a rate of 2 gallons per 5 linear feet of pier or foundation.

Application should carry the termiticide to the top of the footer or base of the foundation wall.

Hollow block foundation walls, fireplaces, porch fills and other such areas should be treated at a rate of 1 gallon of termiticide per 10 square feet.


Basic Concepts of Subterranean Termite Control - on grade construction

On grade construction is commonly called slab construction.

The exterior wall of an on grade structure should be treated, applying 2 gallons of termiticide per 5 linear feet.

The area beneath the slab should be treated at the rate of 1 gallon per 10 square feet.

Access to the area beneath the slab is provided by drilling through the slab at strategic points and intervals and injecting termiticide through the holes.


Documents

IPM for Subterranean Termites Chapter 1 Section V – Termite Control Master of the Pest Bear & Affiliates Service Personnel Development Program 2005 Copyright