Western subterranean termites are currently found in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, California, and western Nevada and Mexico. Photo: ©istock.com/WebSubstance
Did you know these facts about Western subterranean termites (Reticulitermes hesperus), or WST?
⦁ WST are a native American species found in the western third of North America.
⦁ WST are attracted especially to Douglas fir trees, attacking the internal sections (spring wood) and leaving behind the harder, denser summer wood.
⦁ They eat across the grain of the wood, leaving a honeycomb shell of damage.
⦁ Mud tubes are critical to maintaining temperature and moisture as they travel between the main nest and their food source.
⦁ WST can swarm any time of year. Alates indicate the nearby presence of a large mature nest.
⦁ Queens can live 25 years and produce 2,000 eggs a day.
⦁ Colonies are located in the ground. Damage is most commonly found in basements and at ground level.
You can reach Kate and Jeff McGovern at jeffreymcgovern@mindspring.com.