Expert Witness Blog
Pesticides expert witness Allan Snyder; ACGIH, AIHA, SPCI, writes that there are more than 2,500 different types of termites in the world with the most common species being Drywood, Dampwood and Subterranean. Drywood termites:
• Drywood termites may infest dry, undecayed wood, including structural lumber, as well as dead utility poles, posts, and lumber in storage.
• Winged reproductives generally migrate to nearby buildings and other structures.
• Migration usually occurs on sunny days during fall months.
• They do not require contact with moisture or soil.
• They remain entirely above ground and do not connect their nests to the soil.
• They leave piles of fecal pellets which are elongate (about 3/100 inch long) with rounded ends and have six flattened or roundly depressed surfaces separated by six longitudinal ridges.
• Pellets appear granular and are generally salt and pepper like in color and appearance.
• Drywood termites are most prevalent in Southern California (including the desert areas), but also occur along most coastal regions and in the Central Valley.
• Drywoods are generally dark brown with smoky black wings and have a reddish brown head and thorax; wing veins are black.
• Drywood termites are noticeably larger than subterranean termites.