Drywood termites

The genus Kalotermes belongs to the order Isoptera and the family Kalotermitidae. These insects are classified as drywood termites, meaning they do not require contact with the soil to survive and can inhabit pieces of wood that have a very low moisture content.

These pests primarily infest weakened, dying, or dead trees in gardens, orchards, and forests. Furthermore, they are notorious for attacking structural wood, furniture, and any timber products, often remaining undetected for years until the structural integrity of the plant or material is severely compromised.

The life cycle of Kalotermes involves a colony living entirely within the wooden structure. After mating, the reproductive pair bores into the wood to start a new colony. The development process includes several nymphal stages that perform the actual damage by feeding on both the cellulose and the lignin within the wood.

The main sign of infestation is the presence of galleries filled with frass, which are small, pellet-like fecal droppings that the termites push out through tiny holes. This activity creates hollowed-out sections within the trunk or branches, leading to a loss of structural strength and, in many cases, premature tree failure.

Control strategies for Kalotermes focus on prevention and targeted elimination. This includes the removal of infested dead wood and the use of chemical treatments. In professional practice, localized injections of insecticides or whole-tree/structure fumigation are common methods used to eradicate the colonies effectively.