1. 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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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