Yellow-necked drywood termite

The Yellow-necked drywood termite (Kalotermes flavicollis) is a species of insect belonging to the order Isoptera and the family Kalotermitidae. It is considered a significant wood-boring pest that resides exclusively within its food source, making detection difficult until the damage has become structural or severe.

This termite species targets a variety of plants, including fruit trees such as figs, citrus, almonds, and notably, vineyards. By tunneling into the woody tissues of living plants, it compromises the plant's health and vascular system. Beyond orchards, it is a notorious destroyer of structural timber, impacting both rural infrastructures and wooden equipment used in agriculture.

The biology of Kalotermes flavicollis is unique because they do not require contact with the ground; they live entirely within dry wood. The colony is highly organized, consisting of nymphs (false workers), soldiers, and reproductive forms. They thrive in Mediterranean climates, where they utilize the moisture content present naturally in the host plant to sustain their entire colony cycle.

The primary symptom of infestation is the presence of frass, which are small, granular, six-sided droppings found near exit holes or beneath infested branches. Affected plants often show signs of decline, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth, long before the structural damage becomes visible. If left unchecked, these termites can effectively hollow out the center of a tree or vine.

Effective management requires a combination of vigilance and targeted action. Early detection is paramount. Infested parts of the plants should be surgically removed and burned to eliminate the source of infestation. Additionally, wood preservation treatments for vineyard stakes and the application of localized insecticidal treatments into the gallery systems are recommended to prevent the expansion of existing colonies.