How can termites be identified?
Drywood Termites
Subterranean Termites
Formosan Termites
- Color: Light yellow to black or honey brown color.
- Most active: Drywood termites can be found swarming in the evenings and are attracted to artificial lights. They will enter structures through the attic and foundation vents, under eaves and fascia board, and through gaps around doors and windows.
Formosan Termites
Subterranean Termites
Formosan Termites
- Color: Yellowish brown body, with a dense covering of gold to reddish hair.
- Most active: Formosan termites can be found early May through June in the late afternoon and evenings. They are also attracted to light.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean Termites
- Color: Reproductives bear four wings of equal size that may be smoky gray to brown and have a few wing veins. The soldiers and workers have enlarged brownish heads.
- Most active: Swarming begins in South Texas in January and February. They are known to have shelter tubes coming up from the soil.
WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS - NON TERMITE
CARPENTER ANTS. Camponotus sp., are social insects.
Although carpenter ants make their colonies primarily in wood, they will enter the home or building when foraging for food. The presence of carpenter ants indicates there is a problem such as moisture, rotting wood, or other type conditions. By eliminating moisture, keeping branches away from the house, sealing cracks around windows and doors, as well as storing firewood away from the house will help keep these ants from entering the home.
Color: Yellowish-red, solid black, or combination of black, red, and reddish-orange.
Most Active: In the spring and early summer and forage mostly at night.
For more urban pests, check out Urban Entomology at Texas A&M University
Photo Credit: Urban Entomology
WOOD DESTROYING INSECTS - NON TERMITE
CARPENTER BEES.
These type bees can be found in softwoods that have decayed; for example, cedar, cypress, pine, and redwood. Although damage is slight, it becomes more serious as they continue using old holes as well as starting new ones. Using either liquid, aerosol, or dust insecticide can help to control these bees. Also, plug up the hole(s) with a type of suitable sealant or install traps that can be purchased online or DYI.
Color: Look like bumblebees in size, except they have orange or bright yellow hairs.
Most Active: Adult bees emerge later in the summer and hibernate in the fall.
For more urban pests, check out Urban Entomology at Texas A&M University
Photo Credit: Urban Entomology