A Comprehensive Guide to Identifying Different Termite Species In Malaysia
The importance of identifying termite type
Termites are one of the most destructive pests that can wreak havoc on your property. They can cause extensive damage to wooden structures, and if left unchecked, can lead to costly repairs. However, not all termites are created equal.
There are several different type of termites, each with its unique characteristics and behaviors. Knowing how to identify different termite species is essential in determining the most effective treatment methods.
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For example, subterranean termites live underground, and they build mud tubes to travel from their nest to their food source. Drywood termites, on the other hand, live inside the wood they infest and do not require contact with the soil. Knowing the species of termite that is causing the damage can help you develop a targeted treatment plan that will be more effective in eliminating the infestation.
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Identifying termite species is not always easy, but there are several signs that can help you determine the type of termite infesting your property. These signs include the appearance of the termite swarmers, the presence of mud tubes or frass, and the type of wood damage that is present. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common termite species and how to identify them.
In this comprehensive guide to identifying different termite species, we will explore the most common types of termites, their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats. From subterranean termites to drywood termites, we will cover everything you need to know to keep your property termite-free. So, whether you are a homeowner looking to protect your investment or a pest control professional seeking in-depth knowledge on termite identification, this guide is for you.
The 4 Main Termite Group
There are more than 2700 different termite species in the world. However, they can be categorized into 4 major termite group.
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Subterranean Termite
There are around 300 species are classified as subterranean termites. Each species has its own distinct characteristics and behavior, but they all share the common trait of living in underground colonies and feeding on wood and other cellulose-based materials. Subterranean termites are known for causing significant damage to structures and homes, and it's important to take preventative measures and seek professional help if you suspect an infestation.
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Click here to find out more about subterranean termite species in Malaysia
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Dampwood Termite
​Dampwood termites typically infest wood that is in contact with the ground or has been exposed to moisture. They are not as destructive as subterranean termites and are not typically found infesting structures or homes, but they can cause damage to wooden structures in forests or other outdoor areas. Like all termites, dampwood termites play an important role in the ecosystem by breaking down dead wood and returning nutrients to the soil.
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Click here to find out more about dampwood termite species in Malaysia
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Drywood Termite
Drywood termites typically infest wood that is above ground level and dry, and they do not require contact with the soil to survive. They are known for causing damage to wooden structures and furniture, and can be difficult to detect as they often infest wood in hard-to-reach areas. In contrast to subterranean termites, drywood termites do not build mud tubes or tunnels and are able to survive without constant contact with moisture.​
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Click here to find out more about drywood termite species in Malaysia
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Arboreal Termite
Arboreal termites can cause significant damage to trees and wooden structures, and are known for building distinctive nests and galleries in the wood. They are also important decomposers in forest ecosystems, helping to break down dead wood and return nutrients to the soil. In some regions, arboreal termites are considered pests as they can cause damage to buildings and other wooden structures, and control measures may be necessary to prevent infestations.
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Click here to find out more about Arboreal termite species in Malaysia
How to identify termite species
Termite anatomy is studied by entomologists mainly because it is an essential key in identifying termite species. The soldier is the main caste that is referred to when differentiating between species because most of the time, in closely related species, the workers and the imagos (reproductives) are highly similar.
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Effective termite species identification involves scrutinizing soldiers under a microscope and looking for any minor differences in their anatomy or morphology. I believe inbreeding between closely related species may be the reason why some localized subspecies that are very hard to tell apart.
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There have been quite a number of reclassifications of certain species over the years; evidence of the problems involved in accurate termite species identification. Nowadays, entomologists use aspects like biomarkers for species identification; however, identifying a species based on the soldier’s morphological characteristics is still a widely used and quick way.
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Some common parts of soldier caste morphology used in termite species identification are shown above.
The most destructive Species
The most destructive termite species varies depending on the location and environment.
However, in general, the subterranean termites are considered to be the most destructive species due to their ability to cause extensive damage to wooden structures and buildings.
Among the subterranean termites, the species of the genus Coptotermes are known to cause the most damage in many parts of the world, including Southeast Asia and Australia.
They can cause significant structural damage to buildings and homes, and their colonies can number in the millions, making them a serious threat to property. It's important to work with a professional pest control service to identify the specific termite species in your area and to develop a targeted treatment plan to protect your property.
"A single colony of Coptotermes termite may contain several million termites"
Why Coptotermes is the most destructive
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Coptotermes is considered to be the most destructive termite species for several reasons.
Firstly, they have large colonies that can number in the millions, which means they can cause extensive damage to wooden structures and buildings relatively quickly. They can also forage over large distances, which allows them to locate new sources of food and continue to cause damage to buildings over a wider area.
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Secondly, Coptotermes termites have a high moisture requirement, which makes them attracted to damp and water-damaged wood. This means they can often be found in areas where water leaks or moisture buildup has occurred, making them difficult to detect until significant damage has already occurred.
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Finally, Coptotermes termites have a higher level of aggression than other termite species, and they can be more difficult to control once an infestation has been established. Their ability to construct mud tubes that allow them to bypass physical barriers and access new food sources makes them a formidable pest to deal with.
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Overall, the combination of their large colonies, ability to forage over long distances, attraction to damp and water-damaged wood, and aggressive behavior make Coptotermes termites one of the most destructive termite species.
"It may take 3 - 5 years before the colony reaches a substantial size to cause severe damages"
How long do they take to grow their nest?
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The time it takes for a Coptotermes colony to grow to a substantial size can vary depending on several factors, such as the availability of food sources, temperature, and moisture levels. However, in general, it can take several years for a Coptotermes colony to reach a substantial size, typically ranging from 3 to 5 years.
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During the first year, the colony may only have a few hundred termites, but they can quickly multiply and grow in numbers. The reproductive termites, also known as alates, will swarm during the breeding season and establish new colonies, further contributing to the growth of the overall population.
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As the colony grows, it can cause more significant damage to wooden structures and buildings, and it can become more difficult to control. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent the colony from reaching a substantial size and causing significant damage.
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If you suspect a termite infestation, it's important to contact a professional pest control service to identify the specific termite species, assess the level of infestation, and develop a targeted treatment plan to effectively control and eliminate the colony.
How Termite Reproduce?
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Termites reproduce through a process called swarming, which typically occurs in the spring or early summer. During this time, winged male and female termites (known as alates) leave their existing colonies to mate and establish new colonies. The alates fly in large groups, often referred to as "termite swarms," and are attracted to sources of light and warmth.
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Once the alates find a suitable mate, they shed their wings and form a new colony together. The male and female termites become the king and queen of the new colony, and the queen begins laying eggs. As the colony grows, the queen continues to lay eggs, which hatch into worker termites that perform various tasks such as gathering food, caring for the young, and building and maintaining the nest.
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In some species of termites, colonies can also reproduce asexually through a process called parthenogenesis, in which the queen can lay eggs without fertilization by a male. However, sexual reproduction through swarming is the most common method of termite reproduction.
How do you prevent them from infesting your property?
Type of Termite Prevention Treatment
There are several types of termite prevention measures that can help protect your property from termite infestations. Some of the most common types of termite prevention include:
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Soil treatment: This involves the application of termiticides to the soil around the perimeter of your property to create a barrier against termites.
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Baiting systems: This involves the use of bait stations that contain slow-acting toxicants that are attractive to termites. The termites feed on the bait and take it back to the colony, which helps to eliminate the entire colony.
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Moisture control: Termites are attracted to moist environments, so controlling moisture levels around your property can help to deter them. This includes fixing leaky pipes, ensuring proper drainage, and avoiding overwatering plants.
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Regular inspections: Regular termite inspections by a professional pest control service can help to detect early signs of termite activity and prevent infestations from taking hold.
Implementing a combination of these prevention measures can help to provide effective termite protection for your property.