Sarasins drywood termite

Neotermes sarasini is a species of drywood termite within the family Kalotermitidae. Unlike subterranean termites, these insects do not require contact with the soil to obtain moisture, allowing them to establish entire colonies within the structural wood of living trees and woody plants.

This pest affects a variety of hosts, frequently attacking the wood of perennial crops and forest trees. By excavating galleries deep within the stems and branches, the termites compromise the structural integrity of the plant, often leading to stunted growth, secondary infections, or total plant collapse under mechanical stress.

The biology of Neotermes sarasini is unique due to the absence of a true worker caste. Instead, immature nymphs (pseudergates) perform the labor tasks within the colony. Their life cycle is slow, and colonies can remain cryptic for several years, making the detection of early infestations a major agricultural challenge.

Damage symptoms usually manifest as small circular holes on the surface of the bark or wood, from which the termites eject frass (fecal pellets). As the internal galleries expand, the conducting tissues of the plant are severed, which inevitably leads to a decline in vigor, chlorosis, and eventual death of the affected part of the plant.

Effective management requires a proactive approach to prevent infestation. Standard practices include:

• Maintaining plant vigor to increase natural resistance.
• Sanitation by pruning and destroying infested wood material.
• Targeted application of residual insecticides injected directly into termite galleries.
• Monitoring wood health and applying protective sealants to mechanical wounds or pruning cuts.