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Pest SolutionsPESTS + WEEDSUSING PESTICIDES OR HERBICIDES?
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Termites
Several species
Updated Jul 03, 2022
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
"Pacific dampwood termite" by TJ Gehling is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.
Pacific dampwood termite (Zootermopsis angusticollis) consumes and nests inside moist, water-damaged wood.
Species: Pacific Dampwood Termites
"Pacific Dampwood Termite" by Don Loarie is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
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
"Zootermopsis angusticollis" by Boris619 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.
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
R6, State & Private Forestry, Forest Health Protection, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Drawing shows dampwood termites in various life stages, and damage to wood.
SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
Species: Subterranean Termites
"Subterranean Termites" by Katja Schulz is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus) workers are creamy white and about the size of a grain of rice.
Species: Subterranean Termites
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
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
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
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.
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
Damage wooden structures.
Pets
None
Annoyance
High
Requires monitoring and action.
Environment
Helpful
Recycle wood in the environment.
Action Highly Recommended
Take action for termites in structures.
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.
Prevent Termites
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jump to
| Method | Does it work? | Is it safe? | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
A Inspect, Repair & Seal Structure |
Effective |
Low risk |
Recommended |
B Insecticides From Licensed Pest Control Companies |
Very effective |
Moderate risk |
Recommended |
C Insecticides from Stores |
Somewhat effective |
Moderate risk |
Use if Necessary |
|
D Protect Yourself & Minimize Risks
|
A
Inspect, Repair & Seal Structure
Non-Chemical Method
Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Inspect, Repair & Seal Structure
Recommended
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.
SLRadcliffe, iStock
Wirachai, iStock
5./15 WEST, iStock
yanggiri, iStock
Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org
Trigem777, iStock
StepPro, iStock
B
Insecticides from Licensed Pest Control Companies
Chemical Method: Use with caution
Business, iStock
Insecticides from Licensed Pest Control Companies
Recommended
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 | El uso de insecticidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos. You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:
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.
mladenbalinovac, iStock
Business, iStock
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 | El uso de insecticidas conlleva cierto grado de riesgo. El riesgo más bajo se presenta con el uso de métodos alternativos. You may be exposed to an insecticide if you:
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.
Weston Miller, Oregon State University
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
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 for small print.
- 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.
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.
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.
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