Drywood termite

Systematic position: Incisitermes immigrans belongs to the order Isoptera, specifically within the Kalotermitidae family, commonly known as drywood termites. This species is recognized as a significant invasive pest that thrives in various wood materials, often spread globally through the trade of infested lumber and furniture.

Host plants and damage targets: The primary targets for this pest are dry timber, structural wood, and furniture. In agricultural and forestry contexts, they may colonize standing trees, particularly those with deadwood or heartwood rot, causing significant structural weakness and eventual decay of the plant.

Biology and life cycle: Incisitermes immigrans completes its entire life cycle within the wood itself, without requiring ground access. The colony consists of specialized castes including reproductives, soldiers, and nymphs. They multiply slowly, making the infestation often go unnoticed for several years until significant internal damage has already occurred.

Damage and pest impact: These termites consume the cellulose inside the wood, creating galleries that follow the grain of the wood. A key diagnostic feature is the presence of frass, which are small, fecal pellets expelled from the galleries. Structural integrity is severely compromised as the termites hollow out support beams and furniture from within.

Control measures: Managing this pest requires targeted interventions, including:

• whole-structure fumigation for severe infestations;
• application of borate-based wood preservatives to prevent future colonization;
• local treatment involving direct injection of insecticides into galleries.