Proper termite identification is imperative

Marie Knox, Director of Product Development, Control Solutions Inc.

Termites have been swarming in some areas of the country since early spring. Depending on where you live and what species you have present in your area, these swarms may extend well into the summer.

One of the questions I am most often asked is, “What kind of termite is this?” This is usually as I am being handed a small plastic bag of wings, alates (whole and in parts) and other “trophies” from a recent inspection. I am blessed to live in an area of the country brimming with multiple species of termites, and my identification skills are tested often.

Proper identification of the species you’re dealing with is not only important, it is imperative! Treatment options will vary greatly based on the type of termite, as well as other factors like construction type and conducive conditions present. If possible, keeping your identification tactics simple is ideal. If you have just wings to ID from, be familiar with the “leading edge veins” and how many veins are characteristic of the species you have in your area. If you have drywood termites as well as subterranean species active in your area, know that drywoods typically will have three or four leading edge veins, whereas your subterranean varieties have just two. If you have multiple subterranean species to choose from, be familiar with other characteristics like relative size of alates, as well as distinguishing features on the wings besides veins (hairs, for example) and variances in body color. Getting a little deeper into ID with identifying characteristics of soldiers may not only be necessary, but very interesting.