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Family
Kalotermitidae
Characteristics –
Size: Soldiers measure 3/8-inch in length; male and
female reproductives grow to 1/2-inch long. During the winged stage
there are four equal size wings that extend longer than the body by
1/8- to 1/4-inch.
Color: Usually pale brown.
Drywood termites have soft bodies and are cylindrical in shape. They
have six legs, compound eyes and chewing mandibles.
Behavior –
Drywood termites are social insects that live in colonies. The
colonies are composed of kings, queens and soldiers. There is no
worker caste as in subterranean colonies. The work is performed by
immature termites before they become adults. King and queen termites
perform the reproductive functions of the colony. They are light to
dark brown and 1/3- to 3/8-inch in length. Soldiers guard the colony
against invaders such as ants. They are pale, cream colored and
wingless with large brownish heads and jaws. The nymphs (immature),
which are the most numerous caste, are pale, cream colored and
wingless. The soldiers and immatures remain inside the wood at all
times.
Habitat – Drywood termites infest only dry wood
and are most often found in attic wood framing as they do not
require contact with the soil. They obtain moisture from the water
produced by the digestion of cellulose. Winged reproductives fly
from an existing colony, pair and fly to new dry wood areas, enter a
small hole in the wood, and start to form a colony. Colonies will
contain up to 2,500 members.
Tips for Control – There are some things a
property owner can do to help prevent drywood termite infestation.
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Store firewood and lumber away from the house.
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Use 20-mesh screen on all windows and doors, and especially at
ventilation openings for attics and crawl spaces.
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Exposed wood that is sealed with a uniform coating of paint,
varnish or other sealant will help prevent easy access by
drywood termites. Be sure to seal nail holes and cracks.
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Contract
with a professional pest control company, such as Curtis Pest Control ,
to regularly
inspect your home to detect a termite infestation and then treat
it accordingly.
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