**Western Subterranean Termites** (*Reticulitermes hesperus*) are a species of underground termite found along the Pacific Coast of North America. They are the most common and destructive termite species in the region. The conflict is **structural destruction**: they live in large colonies in the soil and forage for cellulose, consuming the wood within buildings from the inside out. They cause **millions of dollars in property damage** annually by weakening the structural integrity of homes and commercial buildings.
Taxonomy and Classification
Western Subterranean Termites belong to the Order Blattodea, Infraorder Isoptera. They are social insects that undergo simple metamorphosis, living in colonies with distinct castes (workers, soldiers, reproductives).
Physical Description
Workers are 3 mm to 5 mm long.
- **Worker (Key ID):** Small, pale, creamy-white, wingless, and soft-bodied; found only inside wood or mud tubes.
- **Swarmers (Key ID):** Black-bodied, winged reproductives (alates); shed their four equally sized wings shortly after emerging to swarm.
[Image of Termite Swarmers and Worker]
- **Damage ID (Key):** Mud tubes (shelter tubes) built over foundation walls or support piers; wood that sounds hollow when tapped; presence of shed wings on window sills or floors.
- **Conflict:** Structural.
Distribution and Habitat
Pacific Coast of North America (California, Washington, Oregon). Habitat is the soil (main colony) and moist, concealed wood structures (sills, joists, framing) in contact with the ground or a persistent moisture source.
Behavior and Conflict
The conflict is their cryptic nature and moisture dependence.
- **Hidden Feeding:** They avoid light and air, meaning damage can be extensive before it is discovered.
- **Moisture Requirement:** They require a constant connection to a moist soil source to survive.
Management and Prevention
Management is **Soil Treatment and Exclusion**.
- **Liquid Termiticide Barrier:** Applying a non-repellent chemical barrier to the soil around the foundation perimeter to kill foraging termites that contact it.
- **Baiting Systems:** Placing cellulose-based bait stations in the soil to be consumed and carried back to the colony.
- Ensuring proper drainage; reducing wood-to-soil contact; clearing vegetation from foundations.
Conservation and Research
Research focuses on developing more effective detection methods (e.g., acoustic sensors) and understanding the genetic factors that drive colony size and aggression.