Termites
Part 1 of 3 for Online Study Course

The most important and costly structural insect pest in Connecticut is the Eastern subterranean termite. They range from 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch in length. The cream-colored workers are wingless and usually enter structures through wood that is in direct contact with the soil.

To help prevent termite problems, such direct contact of wood with soil should be eliminated. In some cases, termites may build mud tubes across surfaces such as concrete to allow them to reach the wood from the soil. The workers are very susceptible to dessication. By moving through mud tubes they remain in contact with high humidity from the soil and avoid the drying effects of sunlight and air currents. If the tan mud tubes are found, they should be broken and the adjacent wood should be examined for termite damage.

The presence of winged reproductives, or swarmers, in a building is a good indicator that a colony of at least five years of age is present. Swarmers are black and are most frequently mistaken for "flying ants." Swarming generally occurs during early spring.

The differences between termites and ants are shown in the diagram. Note that termites do not have the narrow or constricted waist that ants possess. Termites also have straight rather than "elbowed" antennae.

Finding termites in a structure does not constitute an immediate emergency because the rate at which damage occurs is relatively slow. We strongly recommend hiring a licensed professional exterminator when termite control is needed.

ANT and TERMITE IDENTIFICATION

Winged Ant

Subterranean Termite

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

Mud tubes on wall stud. Picture by David Keith, UNL Entomology

Subterranean termite workers Picture by Jim Kalisch, UNL Entomology

ipm@canr.cag.uconn.edu

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