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You are here: NPIC Home Page —> Pest Control Information —> Termites

Termites

Termites are wood eaters and they can cause significant damage to homes and other wooden structures. There are three different types of termites: drywood, subterranean, and damp wood. Because of their different habitats and behaviors, specific control measures are used for each type of termite.

Remember these tips when controlling termites:

• Make sure you have properly identified the termites. Many ants can be easily confused with termites because they look very similar and tend to swarm at the same time. Check out the resources below with pictures and descriptions.
• Successful termite control often requires specific knowledge of termite behavior and treatment techniques. Do-it-yourself termite treatments may not be as effective as professional treatments. Some termiticides can only be used by trained and licensed professionals.
• Take your time and do your homework when selecting a termite control company. Termite treatments can be costly and time consuming. Getting estimates, inspections, treatment and warranty information from multiple companies can help you make an informed choice between companies, pesticides and methods.
• Prevent termites from infesting your home by removing wood stored under or next to your house. It can act as a bridge for termites to go from the soil to your house.

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 1-800-858-7378 (7:30am-3:30pm PST), or email us at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Additional Termite Resources:

• Termite Quick Tips - University of California Statewide IPM Program
• Termite Control: Answers for Homeowners - University of Kentucky
• Structural and Public Health Pests: Termites - Cooperative Extension System
• Pests of Homes, Structures, People, and Pest - University of California Statewide IPM Program
• Termiticide Data and Labeling Requirements - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Ongoing Termiticide Efficacy Study - Termiticide Report 2005 - U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service
• Ongoing Termiticide Efficacy Study - Termiticide Report 2004 - U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service

Identification and Control:

Subterranean/Dampwood:

• Termite Baits - University of Florida
• Subterranean Termite Control for Public Facilities - University of Florida
• Do-It-Yourself Termite Baits: Do They Work - University of Kentucky
• Subterranean Control Products - Alabama Cooperative Extension System
• Biology and Control of Subterranean Termites - North Carolina State University Extension

Drywood:

• Drywood Termites - University of California Statewide IPM Program
• Evaluation of Six Techniques for Control of the Western Drywood Termite (Isoptera: Kalotermidae) in Structures - Lewis, V.R. and M.I. Haverty, 1996.
• Drywood Termite Control: Preliminary Evaluation of Chemical Local Treatments - University of California

Prevention:

• Protecting your Home Against Termite Infestation - University of Kentucky
• Choosing Wood Carefully to Prevent Termites and Rot - University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension
• Termites: How to Reduce Your Home's Risk of Infestation - Ohio State University
• Termite Prevention - Approaches for New Construction - North Carolina State University Extension