Termites are everywhere in the environment – and, truth be told, that’s not all bad…after all, if it weren’t for termites, we would have a lot of dead trees and stumps just lying around! On the other hand, for the vast majority of us, our home is our single greatest investment and termites represent a potential threat to that investment.
Subterranean termites are the main threat to homes in the Carolinas. While there are about 2500 species of termites worldwide, there are only about 45 that occur in the U.S. – and of those, only a few are of any economic consequence in our area. The eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes for you enthusiasts out there) is the primary threat to homes in the southeast. An invasive species many people are already familiar with, the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus), is present in coastal S.C. with isolated infestations in York County as well. Colonies of Formosan termites can grow to several million individuals, with a much higher percentage of soldier termites than our native subterranean termites.
Formosan termite soldiers – those mean-looking mouthparts are designed to slice and dice the termites’ main enemies, ants! (Hawaii Termite Project)
Drywood termites are adapted for life above ground, entirely isolated from the soil. They are larger in size, live in smaller colonies (usually few than 1,000 individuals), and are difficult to detect. In our service area, drywood termites are restricted to coastal S.C.
There are several ways to protect homes from subterranean termites, all of which can be effective when applied or installed correctly. Products containing disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (commonly called “borates”) can be applied to structural wood, inner foundation walls, and piers to deter termites. When termites encounter surfaces or wood treated with borates they may lightly etch the surface as they explore, but quickly abandon the area. Non-repellent liquid insecticides can be used around the structure and underneath slabs such as garages and patios that contact the structure – these materials are picked up by the termites as they explore the area and transferred to their nestmates through grooming and food-sharing. Finally, bait stations placed around the home intercept foraging termites. When termites find a station, the contents are replaced with a food matrix containing a slow-acting toxicant, which the termites share, resulting in colony decline and death. With Black Pest Prevention’s premiere PLUS™ Service, you get all three!
Thanks for reading! Next time, we’ll discuss some typical summertime pest issues…