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Wilton Simpson Commissioner
Termites associated with structures in Florida
West Indian subterranean termite
(Heterotermes cardini)
Identifying features
Native to The Bahamas, Cuba, and Jamaica, introduced to Florida in the early 90s
Very small termite preferring sound dry wood
Foraging tubes thin and cylindrical
Structural pest of limited distribution in Florida, also infests wood on ground
Swarmer body golden, wings golden, not wrinkled
Soldier with rectangular head, bases of mandibles thin
Swarms in the morning at the beginning of rainy season
Foragers in a Petri dish
Swarmers/soldiers disturbed in soil under rock
Swarmers/soldiers disturbed in plant roots
Foraging tube on PVC pipe
Damage to molding. Note fecal spotting on surface of galleries
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