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Wilton Simpson Commissioner
Termites associated with structures in Florida
Asian subterranean termite (AST)
(Coptotermes gestroi)
boat infestation
Identifying features
Introduced to Florida (Miami) in the 1990s from infested docked boat
Close relative of FST but prefers warmer climates
Major structural pest, also infests live trees and boats
Require moisture source: roof leak, soil, tree, or bilge water
Swarmers with dark brown heads, body and wings covered with minute hairs
Soldier with oval head, very aggressive, emits white secretion when disturbed
Swarms during evenings in early spring before the rainy season
AST flight in the Florida Keys (Credit Mark Weinberg)
AST swarmers dead on sliding door rail
Bath tub in Key West after an AST swarm. Swarmers were attracted to tub from an overhead light and could not crawl out of the slippery sides.
AST swarmers with and without wings. Note how hairy their bodies are.
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AST soldiers are more aggressive than FST. Both will bite skin and exude a sticky white secretion from their fontanelle when disturbed.
Before flight, AST workers open flight slits by removing fecal matter and soldiers stand guard. Shown are interior slits.
AST carton nest removed from dry dock boat.
AST foraging tubes uncovered under cowl.
AST nest in Key West houseboat storage Inset: queen removed from nest.
AST "satellite" nest without queen.
AST infesting live oak. Credit Henry Hochmair.
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