The wood rot process turns full-size trees into usable, nutritious soil for the living plants all around it. Wood rot is the combination of moisture and fungi that breaks down organic material. If you have ever walked through a forest and seen a tree that has fallen, you may notice that the tree is likely showing signs of decomposition. However, things like termite damage and wood rot are preventable and do not necessarily have to be a completely destructive force.īefore you start searching your home for little bugs or testing the integrity of every beam in your business, you must first understand what wood rot is, what termite damage is, and how to tell the difference between the two. If a hurricane comes through, you may not be able to help the potential damage it may do to your home or business. One major issue that cannot often be helped is severe weather. When it comes to the wood structure that actually keeps your building standing strong, there are a few different things that may affect it. One less-oft considered factor for your home or office is the integrity of the wood that is holding your structure together and providing support. This might include having the roof inspected for signs of significant wear and tear, cleaning the HVAC system, or fixing a leaky faucet before it turns into a major problem. The droppings are a perfect match with drywood termites (family Kalotermitideae).Whether you are a homeowner or have a business in Florida, it is important that you take great care in keeping your property in tip-top condition. I concluded that they could pass through the "eye" of a sewing needle, and therefore were way too small for an oriental cockroach or a mouse. These specimens came from the author's 1964 college entomology collection.Ī neighbor wanted help in identifying the pest droppings (excrement) on their bathroom floor. The winged adults of subterranean termites (C) can be distinguished from the other two families by their black heads. Winged adults of three representative families of southern California termites: A. These specimens came from the author's 1964 college entomology collection. The winged adults of subterranean termites can be distinguished from the other two families by their black heads. Winged adults of three families of southern California termites: A. The massive head and mandibles of this rottenwood soldier are used to defend the colony against invading ants. Note the massive head and enormous mandibles (jaws) of the soldier. In addition, subterranean termites have black heads. Subterranean and drywood termites have much smaller bodies. Along with decay fungi they are quite beneficial in breaking down dead wood and returning it to the soil. These termites are common in rotten tree stumps and logs. In fact, the Pacific dampwood termite ( Zootermopsis angusticollis) has soldiers up to 20 mm in length. Of these three families, the Hodotermitidae have the largest termites. T here are three major families of termites in southern California, including the subterranean termites (Rhinotermitidae), drywood termites (Kalotermitidae) and rottenwood termites (Hodotermitidae). With the exception of haploid males (drones) in ants, the individuals of these castes in ant colonies are all females. Although they both have well-developed caste systems, termite workers and soldiers consist of individuals of both sexes, with all nymphs serving as workers. Ants and termites can readily be distinguished, even in 25 million-year-old amber from the Dominican Republic. Antennae of ants are elbowed with a distinct bend. The antennae of termites are moniliform with segments resembling a minute string of beads. Termites are often confused with ants however, the abdomen of termites is broadly joined to the thorax, whereas in ants it is constricted at the base and connected to the thorax by a narrow petiole. Termite guts contain flagellated protists that contain wood-digesting bacteria, which in turn contain cellulose-digesting enzymes. The immature nymphs feed on wood, much to the chagrin of home owners with wood frame houses. Insects of this order have winged sexual adults with four membranous wings of the same approximate length. The name "Isoptera" is derived from "iso" (equal) and "ptera" (wing). T ermites are social insects with a well-developed caste system consisting of the fertile queen (original female of royal pair), king (original male of royal pair), workers (nymphs), and soldiers (modified workers with massive heads and enlarged mandibles). See Various Arthropod Images On Wayne's Word T-Shirts Southern California Arthropods (Mostly) #13: Termites (Order Isoptera) © W.P.
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