Neotermes

The genus Neotermes is a significant group of wood-boring pests belonging to the order Blattodea and the family Kalotermitidae. Commonly known as drywood termites, these insects live entirely within the wood they consume and do not require contact with the soil, which distinguishes them from subterranean termite species.

These pests primarily infest woody plants, including various fruit trees like citrus, mango, and avocado, as well as ornamental trees and structural timber. Their ability to survive inside living tree trunks makes them a major concern for orchard management and nursery production, as they can cause extensive damage before being detected.

The biology of Neotermes is unique because they lack a true worker caste. Instead, the colony consists of pseudergates—immature termites that retain the ability to molt and develop into soldiers, nymphs, or supplementary reproductives. The entire colony life cycle is contained within the wood galleries, with dispersal occurring through winged alates during swarming seasons.

The damage caused by these insects is characterized by deep, irregular tunnels that compromise the structural integrity of the host plant. Visible signs of infestation often include small, six-sided fecal pellets ejected from galleries, branch dieback, and increased susceptibility to wind damage or secondary infections due to the hollowed-out interior.

Effective management strategies require a combination of preventative and remedial actions. Key measures include:

• Regular visual inspections of trees for exit holes and fecal piles.
• Pruning and destroying heavily infested branches to reduce colony size.
• Injection of approved termiticides into infested galleries.
• Maintaining healthy tree vigor through proper fertilization and watering, which helps the tree tolerate minor infestations.