Brought to you by the National Pest Management Association

Spotlight on Termites

Termites are known as "silent destroyers" because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Each year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage. Swarmers, looking to start a new colony, are typically the first sign of termite season as these winged-pests show up inside homes in early spring.

PESTWORLD ON TWITTER

Be wary when purchasing secondhand furniture including mattresses & antiques - You might bring home an unwanted guest: http://t.co/5aFf5yDa
In addition to triggering asthma attacks, cockroaches spread over 30 kinds of bacteria including E. coli & Salmonella: http://t.co/7xyeTnDd
RT @foxnewshealth: Insecticide resistance threatens malaria fight http://t.co/AkVVzCwK
The allergen behind your asthma or allergy attacks might be hiding beneath your kitchen sink - and it has six legs! http://t.co/7W3kJEmD
Do you know what to do if you find a #tick on yourself or a family member? Learn how to safely remove it using tweezers http://t.co/HKS8tMRk

Follow @PestWorld more ►

Termites

Dampwood Termites

As the name suggests, dampwood termites infest wood with a high moisture content. Dampwood termites are normally larger in size than other termite species. Bodies of king and queen dampwood termites range in size from 1/2 inch to 5/8 inch long and have two pairs of wings that are equal in size and shape and extend beyond their abdomen. Nymphs range up to 5/8 inch and worker dampwood termites are up to 3/4 inch.

Drywood Termites

These social insects infest dry wood and do not require contact with the soil.

Formosan Termites

Originally from China, Formosan termites are the most voracious, aggressive and devious of over 2,000 termite species known to science. Formosan termites are a subterranean species of termite. Swarmer formosan termite are about 1/2 inch in overall length, including their wings.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to 2 million members. They build distinctive "mud tubes" to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. Termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks -- workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite's role in the colony. Cream-colored Worker subterranean termites are 1/8 to 3/8's of an inch in length. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles. Solider termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately one inch long.