Benefits & Disadvantages of Termites Decomposers - Break down cellulose in wood - Recycle nutrients into the environment Food source for amphibians, reptiles, and birds Benefits Disadvantage Consumption of wooden houses = PESTS Two Main Termite Types in Hawaii Subterranean/Ground Termites Colony/Nest is found in the ground Drywood Termites Colony/Nest is found in the wood that they eat Created by UH Termite Project

Termites in Hawaii Created by UH Termite Project Subterranean Philippine Milk Termite These are solder caste members of the different termite species found in Hawaii. However the last picture is of a worker and soldier. Created by UH Termite Project

ECONOMIC TERMITE PESTS IN HAWAII FORMOSAN SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki Major swarms occur during May and June Colony development is fast: 5 years to produce a mature colony Colony size is large: between 3-10 million termites Distinct worker caste Attack most wood types but prefer softwoods WEST INDIAN DRYWOOD TERMITE Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) Major swarms occur during June and July Colony development is very slow: about 12 termites during 1st yr. Colony size is very small: about 300 to a few thousand termites No true worker caste; all become soldiers or reproductives Attack most wood types but prefer hardwoods These 2 species of termites are the ones that cost major damage to home in Hawaii. However the Formosan Subterranean termite does more damage and it is the focus species for the UH Termite Project. Created by UH Termite Project

Subterranean Termites versus Drywood Termites Wings from Alates Subterranean Termites Two veins along the top which run parallel to each other (simple) Subterranean termite alate wing Drywood termite alate wing Drywood Termites More detailed pattern along the top of vein (complex) The next few slides mentions differences between subterranean termites and drywood termites. These points will be important to know when treating an termite infested house. The methods of getting rid of the subterranean and drywood termites will be different. Created by UH Termite Project

Subterranean Termites Leaves behind CARTON, resembling hard cardboard Subterranean Termites versus Drywood Termites Excretions/Waste Material Subterranean Termites Leaves behind CARTON, resembling hard cardboard Drywood Termites Leaves behind FRASS resembling sand Created by UH Termite Project

Subterranean Termites versus Drywood Termites Feeding Pattern Subterranean termites Eats in a distinct pattern “picky eaters” Drywood termites Eats in NO distinct pattern “non-picky eaters” Created by UH Termite Project

Subterranean Termites versus Drywood Termites Home Life Subterranean termites Create mud tunnels Drywood termites Make kickout holes Created by UH Termite Project