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Termites

Several species
Updated Jul 03, 2022
 
1

Make a Positive Identification

Pacific dampwood termites (Zootermopsis angusticollis) and Western subterranean termites (Reticulitermes hesperus) cause damage to structures in the Pacific Northwest.

Drywood termites (Incisitermes minor) and carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) are look-alikes that require different control methods.

Pacific Dampwood Termites
Species: Pacific Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites on decomposing wood

Pacific dampwood termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis) consumes and nests inside moist, water-damaged wood.

Species: Pacific Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termite worker

Pacific dampwood termite is caramel-colored to dark brown. Workers and soldiers are about 1/2-inch long and 3/4-inch long, respectively.

Species: Pacific Dampwood Termites
Winged dampwood termite

Winged males and females are about 1-inch long as shown in the photo. Swarms of flying individuals leave established nests during late summer or fall. Flying termites are not cause for alarm.

Species: Pacific Dampwood Termites
Drawing of dampwood termite life stages

R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Drawing shows dampwood termites in various life stages, and damage to wood.

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SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
Species: Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites on decomposing wood

Subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus) workers are creamy white and about the size of a grain of rice.

Species: Subterranean Termites
Closeup of winged subterranean termite

Pest and Diseases Image Library, Bugwood.org

Subterranean termites may swarm any time of year. The swarming termites are 3/8-inch long (including wings) with a dark-brown body.

Species: Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termite tunnel going from soil surface onto concrete wall

Wirachai, iStock

Inspect the foundation (both inside and outside) of structures. Look for tunnels made of soil on the inside and outside of foundations.

LOOK-ALIKES: DRYWOOD TERMITES & CARPENTER ANTS
Species: Drywood Termites
Drywood termites and frass next to penny

Mohammed El Damir, Bugwood.org

Drywood termite (Incisitermes minor) is uncommon in the Pacific Northwest. It looks similar to dampwood and subterranean termites. Drywood termites nest within and consume intact dry wood. A sign of drywood termites is tiny mounds of insect droppings (frass) as shown in the photo.

  • Control methods for drywood termites are different from methods to eliminate dampwood and subterranean termites.
  • Drywood termite activity is difficult to detect.
  • There are limited treatment options available at stores.

Different risks or methods

Hire a professional to advise and help you solve drywood termite problems.

Species: Carpenter Ants
Outdoor wood in landscape with carpenter-ant wood dust piles

Edward H. Holsten, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Carpenter ants (Camponotus spp.) build nests outdoors in tree stumps, firewood, fence posts, and wooden retaining walls. They also build nests indoors within intact, dry wood or water-damaged wood, insulation, crawl spaces, and attic spaces.

Piles of wood dust as shown in the photo are a sign of carpenter ant activity. They don’t eat the wood.

Carpenter ants are 1/4–5/8 inch long with either black, red, or a combination of these two colors.


Different risks or methods

Take action to control carpenter ants for homes and structures. Tolerate them away from structures where they are part of the ecosystem.

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Get expert pest management info & advice online from OSU's Ask Extension.
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2

Termites Benefits

  • Termites play an important role in forest ecosystems.
  • Termite feeding reduces woody debris in our forests and woodlands. Their feeding cycles nutrients back into the soil.
  • Animals and insects rely on termites as a food source.
 

Termites Risks

  • Termites become a problem when they feed and live in our homes and buildings.
  • They cause significant damage to wooden structures.
Risk Card
Does it cause harm?
Adults & Children
None
Property
High
Pets
None
Annoyance
High
Environment
Helpful
Action Highly Recommended
 
3

Take Action

Termites damage wooden structures. Take action to repair damage. Minimize termite access to your home. Remove sources of moisture and repair moisture damage. Then treat the affected area and remove the termite colony.

Do I need to take action?

  • Yes. Take action to eliminate termites in your structures.
  • Termite activity outdoors is part of the natural environment and doesn’t require treatment.
  • Swarms of flying termites aren’t a sign of an infestation in structures.

What if I do nothing?
Left alone, termite infestations in your home and structures lead to significant property damage.

NEED HELP?

Consider a licensed pest control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.
Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

 
4
SOLUTIONS FOR DAMPWOOD AND SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES

Control of dampwood and subterranean termites in your structures is best left to professional pest controllers. See How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

Work with the pest control professional to determine a plan.

Termite control actions include:

  • Perform a thorough inspection.
  • Fix leaks and eliminate damp areas.
  • Repair and replace damaged wood.
  • Seal exterior openings that allow termites entry into your structure.
  • Remove firewood and wood debris piles.
  • Remove termite workers and eliminate the colony.
  • Follow up to make sure the control activities worked.

Jump To

Method Does it work? Is it safe? Recommendation
A
Inspect, Repair & Seal Structure
Effective
Low risk
B
Insecticides From Licensed Pest Control Companies
Very effective
Moderate risk
C
Insecticides from Stores
Somewhat effective
Moderate risk
Use if Necessary
D
Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
E
Prevent Termites
 
A

Inspect, Repair & Seal Structure

Non-Chemical Method

Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Inspect, Repair & Seal Structure

Getting rid of termites in your structures requires good building maintenance practices. You must eliminate water damage and seal entry points. Then treat the affected area and remove the colony.

Does it work?
Effective

These steps are necessary for successful termite control.

How much effort?
High effort

Inspecting and repairing your structure for termite and water damage requires significant effort.

What's the risk?
Low risk
Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
NONE
  • Thoroughly inspect the interior, exterior, crawl space, and attic of your structure. Look for termite damage and signs of activity.
  • Fix leaks and eliminate damp areas.
  • Repair and replace damaged wood.
  • Seal exterior openings.
  • Remove firewood and debris piles.
Worker inspecting building crawl space

SLRadcliffe, iStock

Consider hiring a pest control professional to inspect your home for termite damage and signs of activity. Professionals have special training to inspect your home for insect signs and damage.

Subterranean termite tunnel going from soil surface onto concrete wall

Wirachai, iStock

Inspect the perimeter (both inside and outside) of structures. Look for tunnels made of dirt as shown in the photo.

Leaking faucet on wall with water damage

5./15 WEST, iStock

Stop and repair water damage. Ventilate damp areas and fix poor drainage around foundations. In the photo above, the wall may need to be taken down to the studs, inspected for water damage, and fixed.

Ceiling fan in bathroom

yanggiri, iStock

Increase ventilation to damp areas beneath buildings and in attics. Install a ventilation fan to reduce humidity in bathrooms, laundry, and cooking areas.

Professional inspecting termite-damaged window frame

Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org

Termites cause significant damage to wooden structures. The window in the photo needs to be removed and the damaged wood replaced.

Carpenter replacing damaged wood on outdoor railing

Trigem777, iStock

Here a worker repairs a porch roof support post damaged by termites. Termites get inside and eat their way through wood. Consider installing treated wood to protect posts from termites.

Exterior caulk seals gap between cement pad and brick wall

StepPro, iStock

Seal gaps that might allow termites access to your structure. Repair exterior surfaces. Termites use damaged exterior surfaces to enter structures. Find these entry points, then seal and repair them. 

 
B

Insecticides from Licensed Pest Control Companies

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Business, iStock

Insecticides from Licensed Pest Control Companies

We recommend hiring a pest control company to remove termites from your home.

Does it work?
Very effective

Insecticides available to licensed pest control companies effectively kill termites.

How much effort?
Moderate effort

Research and hire a pest control company. See How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

What's the risk?
Moderate risk

Licensed pest control companies have methods to minimize risk to you, your family, and the environment. Closely follow their instructions.

Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
Using insecticides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods.

You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Pest control companies treat your foundation and nearby soil with insecticides. Or they use bait to get rid of termite colonies. The most effective insecticides for termites aren’t available at retail stores. They require a pesticide applicator’s license to use.

Pest control professional with personal protective equipment with clipboard in front of house

mladenbalinovac, iStock

Pest control companies have access to effective insecticides to kill termite colonies. They also have training to avoid property damage.

Termite bait station

Business, iStock

Termite bait products used by pest control companies can effectively kill a termite colony. Termite baits use less insecticide than other chemical methods for termite control.

More about Bait Stations for Termites

  • Plastic bait stations are placed 10-15 along the outdoor perimeter of your home. Termites must wander into the traps.
  • Insecticide from the bait is transferred among worker termites and ultimately eliminates the entire termite colony.
  • Work with a licensed pest control company to deploy termite bait stations.
 
C

Insecticides from Stores

Chemical Method: Use with caution

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

Insecticides from Stores

Use if Necessary

The insecticides available at retail stores are effective for prevention and control of small or early termite infestations.

Does it work?
Somewhat effective

More effective insecticide options are offered by licensed pesticide applicators.

How much effort?
High effort
What's the risk?
Moderate risk

Insecticides come with real risks. ALWAYS read the entire label front to back. Review instructions even for brands you know.

Possible risk of exposure or harm from chemicals
Using insecticides includes some amount of risk. The lowest risk comes with using alternative methods.

You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:

  • Get it on your skin
  • Breathe it in
  • Eat or smoke afterward without washing hands
  • Touch or eat plants that are wet with spray (you, pets, or children)
  • Bring it inside on your shoes or clothes

Follow directions closely to reduce risk.

Insecticide treatments for dampwood and subterranean termites won’t be effective without repair of sources of moisture and removal of damaged wood.

Photo of insecticide label that highlights interior and exterior use

Weston Miller, Oregon State University

The white box on the example label has a picture of a termite. The other white box on the label states “For indoor & outdoor use.” The product label recommends the product be applied to gaps in damaged wood, and cracks and crevices of wooden structures.

More about Termite Control Products from Stores

  • Products for termite control from stores contain active ingredients known as pyrethroids.
  • For termites, the product kills workers and winged termites that live or feed in the treated area.
  • Colony elimination is unlikely without additional methods.
  • The product is not recommended as the only termite control action.
Pyrethroid-based insecticides sprayed on the exterior of structures can flow into waterways and harm aquatic life.
 

If Using Insecticides for Termite Control

Chemical Method: Use with Caution
Family playing on kitchen floor

staticnak1983, iStock

Why Is It Important to Read Insecticide Labels?

  • They have detailed information on how to use the product correctly and legally.
  • They contain information on potential hazards of the product.
  • They provide instructions you should follow for poisonings and spills.

Key Safety Tips for Insecticides

  • Read the entire label front to back. Follow the instructions.
  • Review the instructions even for brands you know.
  • Only apply the product where the label says it may be applied.

The Label is the Law

ALWAYS read the label before using insecticide products. The label is a legal document that provides information on how to safely use the insecticide. This helps avoid harm to human health and the environment. Using an insecticide in off-label ways is illegal. It can result in legal enforcement actions.

READ THE LABEL & Follow Instructions
It has instructions to protect you and the environment.

  • Labels are different for every product and they often change over time.
  • Use a magnifying glass.
  • Pay attention to CAUTION, WARNING, and DANGER statements.
  • Pay attention to the PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS.
  • The law states you must read and follow insecticide instructions.

Protect Yourself
Eye, skin, & lung irritants

  • Wear gloves, safety glasses, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, socks, and shoes.
  • Avoid contact with eyes, skin, or clothing.
  • Wash hands after mixing or applying, and before eating or smoking.
  • Never spray directly overhead. Pay attention to wind conditions.

Protect Children & Pets
Keep out of the reach of children.

  • Keep children and pets away from the application area.
  • Remove toys and pet dishes from the area before applying insecticides. Wait until spray has dried or dust has settled.

Storage & Disposal

  • Store out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Store in a cool and dry place.
  • Never pour down any drain.
  • If you mix too much, apply it rather than storing it.
  • Don’t put pesticide containers in the trash unless instructed by the label.
  • Take unused insecticides to a hazardous waste facility.

Call  1-800-CLEANUP (1-800-253-2687) to find out where to dispose of pesticides.

For the Portland metro region in Oregon, contact Metro’s Recycling Information. Call  503-234-3000, email   or visit Metro’s website  

More about:

Avoid Wet Weather & Keep Insecticides Out of Waterways
Some insecticides are toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates.

  • Don’t spray insecticides in water.
  • Insecticides sprayed on the exterior of your home can wash off with rain and enter waterways.

About Using Pesticides on School Grounds in Oregon

If using pesticides on school grounds, there are special rules in Oregon. See School Integrated Pest Management  (Oregon Department of Agriculture).

NEED HELP?

The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)  can answer questions about pest control chemicals.
 1-800-858-7378 or npic@ace.orst.edu  

Consider using a licensed pest or weed control company. Learn How to Hire a Pest Control Company.

Your local Extension Specialist in Oregon  and other states  can suggest other methods.

 

Prevent Termites

Insect-infested firewood pile

N_Saroach, iStock

Remove Firewood and Wood Debris from Around Structures
  • Woodpiles are common termite nest locations.
  • Keep firewood and lumber away from your buildings.
  • Remove woodpiles from your yard.
Worker performing inspection on building exterior

fstop123, IStock

Inspect Your Home Regularly
  • Inspect your structure for termite activity or water damage.
  • Look for termite soil tunnels along the inside and outside of your structure’s foundation. Take action as needed.
  • Hire a professional to inspect your structure if you are unable to do it yourself.
 

Hire a Professional

Hire a professional pest control company to advise and help you solve termite problems. They have the expertise and tools to get the job done right and minimize risks to your home and family.

See How to Hire a Pest Control Company for details.

Pest control worker

AndreyPopov, iStock


Content provided by editor Weston Miller and writer J. Jeremiah Mann. Pesticide safety information edited by Kaci Buhl.

 Reviewed by OSU Department of Horticulture.

Photo of Weston Miller

Weston Miller

Project Founder and Content Writer

Weston Miller served as Community and Urban Horticulture faculty for Oregon State University Extension Service for Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington Counties. Weston is an author for content for this website. He developed funding partnerships with Portland area agencies to initiate and build out the Solve Pest Problems website focused on this goals:

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann

J. Jeremiah Mann completed a Physical Science undergraduate degree at Humboldt State University, and M.S, Ph.D focusing on plant science topics at UC Davis. He went on to work for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and in a leadership position serving a private agricultural technology company. He currently lives in Sacramento California where he consults on pest and property management topics.

Photo of Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl

At the state level, I lead the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The program hosts live recertification events around the state, serving over 1,000 licensed pesticide applicators each year. We also produce web-based training modules and license-preparation study manuals. Special training for unlicensed pesticide applicators is also available through a grant from the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The PSEP at OSU works closely with the Oregon Department of Agriculture's Pesticides Division.