This sequel to our previous article “Signs of Termite Infestation” provides readers with a brief overview of some major differences between subterranean or “ground” termites and drywood termites. It also provides some interesting facts on powder post beetles that can cause considerable damage to wooden furniture, and which at times may be mistaken by the less discerning as subterranean or drywood termites.

The two most common types of termites are subterranean or “ground” and drywood termites. Termites are generally identified by the appearance of swarmers, damages that they cause, and droppings that they leave behind.

The mere mention of termites strikes fear into the hearts of property owners. Termite control is definitely not a do-it-yourself project. Fortunately, pest control professionals have the solutions to stop termites from damaging properties and to protect them from future attacks. But before you call your pest control professionals, it is important to know some major differences between subterranean and drywood termites as the solutions available may vary.

FOOD AND MOISTURE
Subterranean termites need a great deal of moisture such as from soil and damp wood. Cellulose from wood is their diet.

Drywood termites, on the other hand, do not need a source of water to survive. They live off the water that is produced from the digestion of cellulose. Cellulose from wood and occasionally other cellulose materials is their diet. They eat wood in houses, utility poles, furniture and dying trees.

HABITAT
Subterranean termites usually live in the soil but can be above ground if enough moisture is present. They have large colonies which may have as many as one million termites.

Drywood termites live within the wood and no soil contact is required to keep them moist. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, the colony size of drywood termites is generally small. In the first year, colony size may be only around 50. After 4 years, there may be as many as 700 individuals in one colony. At this time, the colony may swarm to start the cycle over again. After 15 years, the colony will have grown to approximately 3,000 individuals.

EVIDENCE OF ACTIVITY
A typical tell-tale sign of subterranean termites is the presence of their protective mudtubes ascending from the ground to the structure or protruding from structures such as walls. Termites also swarm within the structure.

An obvious sign of drywood termite infestation is the presence of distinctive fecal material that looks “sand like” inside or beneath infested furniture. These pellets sift from small holes in the surface of infested wood or are pushed out through small round openings maintained by the termites for this purpose. Presence of pellets does not necessarily prove damaged wood is currently infested, as pellets continue to sift from furniture for many years after termites are controlled or die. However, large and consistent accumulations of pellets are a convincing sign the termites are still very much active. Dry wood termites also produce kick-out holes on walls, ceilings or wood. Galleries inside wood is another typical sign of a drywood termite infestation.

The swarming of small, dark insects near or inside buildings may worry people who believe their properties are infested by termites. Before you call any pest control professional, check them out first as the insects may not after all be termites but only ants. There are some distinct differences between ant and termite reproductives or swarmers.

Termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis – through the egg, nymph and adult stages. Nymphs resemble adult workers, while reproductives are dark-bodied.

Ants, however, undergo complete metamorphosis, which go through an egg, to a larva, then pupa and finally to the adult stage. The adult ant worker is an adult and looks like an adult ant.

Here are some practical ways do identify the differences between the physical resemblance.

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• While both termites and ants have four wings, the termite wings are the same size but the ant wings are noticeably larger in the front compared to the hind pair. Ant reproductives (swarmers) have two pairs of wings. Often ants have a black dot near the tip of the front wings, and dark wing veins can be seen. Termite wing veins cannot be viewed with the naked eye.

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• Termite wings are twice as long as the body.

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• Ant wings do not break off easily. However, termite wings break off easily, with just a touch. Hence, you may see broken wings from swarming termites in an area they have been crawling.

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• Termites have an almost straight antennae, but the antennae of ants are elbowed.

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• Ants appear distinctly segmented, because of their thin-waisted appearance. Termites have a broad-waisted appearance. Their waists are not narrow and their bodies are straight-sided with no constriction.

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Carpenter ant infestation, for instance, is different from a termite infestation and there are several ways to recognise one.

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• Swarmers : Winged form of the carpenter ant swarm in great numbers.

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• Sawdust : If you see sawdust (frass) raining from your ceiling or from any indoor cracks.

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• If you see more than 10 ants a day in any room other than the kitchen.

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