Termites in North Texas
Species:
- Subterranean termites belong to the family Rhinotermitidae
- Common species: Eastern subterranean (Reticulitermes flavipes), Western subterranean (Reticulitermes hesperus), Formosan subterranean (Coptotermes
formosanus)
Habitat:
- Live in underground colonies in soil, wood, or cellulose materials
- Construct mud tubes connecting colonies to food sources
Diet:
- Feed on wood, paper, cardboard, and cellulose materials
- Cause significant structural damage
Colonies:
- Three castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives
- Workers forage and build tunnels
- Soldiers defend against predators
- Alates are winged reproductives that swarm and establish new colonies
Reproduction:
- Produce alates seasonally for swarming and mating
Mud Tunnels:
- Found along foundations and crawl spaces
Damage:
- Feed from inside out; damage often undetected until severe
Species:
- Family Kalotermitidae
- Western drywood (Incisitermes minor), Southeastern drywood (Incisitermes snyderi)
Habitat:
- Infest dry wood in structural timber and furniture
- No soil contact required
Colonies:
- Smaller than subterranean colonies
- Located entirely within infested wood
Feeding and Damage:
- Create galleries and tunnels weakening wood integrity
Swarming Behavior:
- Alates swarm during warm months
Frass:
- Distinctive fecal pellets pushed through kick-out holes
Detection:
- Look for frass, holes, or wings near infested areas
