Hobbies And Interests
Species Indentified
Two species of termites infest Tennessee. The Formosan subterranean termite and the eastern subterranean termite are common in the state. The Formosan subterranean termite is an invasive species that was transported unintentionally from China to the United States mainland after World War II. It quickly spread throughout the United States, infesting Tennessee as well. The eastern subterranean termite is found in three quarters of the United States. This includes the entire eastern half of the United States from Maine to as far south as Florida.
Life Cycle and Habitat
Termites are social insects, forming hives like bees or ants. The hive structure is similar, with larvae, a queen, soldiers and workers. The soldiers have bulbous heads and their job is to protect the queen and hive. The workers gather food. The food source is wood, which the termites chew through to extract the nutrients. A fourth type living in the colony is the nymph. The nymph is a young queen, which flies away from the colony to start a new colony. The habitat area of both species of termites in Tennessee goes from the Mississippi River to the eastern tip.
Infestation Control
Efforts are ongoing in Tennessee to eradicate any infestation. Prevention is done by spraying foundations and woodwork with insecticides. Also, before a foundation slab is poured, insecticide is laid down before the concrete. These two species of termites are prolific. No one method is 100 percent effective, but attempts are made to control the population.
Invasive Species Warning
The drywood termite as of 2011 is not seen in Tennessee, but the state is in danger. The tropical rough-headed drywood termite is also a threat. These termites are found in the western states, such as California. These termites do not begin the life cycle in damp ground, but rather inside dry lumber. If an infested crate or a piece of building lumber is transported to Tennessee, it could lead to an infestation.