Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes - Buggy Joe

Plant Pest Diagnostic Clinic (PPDC) at the Ohio State University (OSU) received this sample of termites in early April 2024 from Dayton, OH. The sample was of termite alates (winged stage), which usually have two pairs of equal-sized wings that they use to fly in large numbers, called a swarm (nuptial flight). We identified the species as Eastern subterranean termites, Reticulitermes flavipes, based on the dark coloration of the body, the time of the swarm, and the location. While wings are required for species identification, the sample collection data indicates that Eastern subterranean termite is the proper ID.

Eastern subterranean termite is the most common and widely distributed termite species in the continental United States. In Ohio, risk of subterranean termite infestation is rated as “moderate to heavy” (Beal et al. 1994).

Check out more from Buggy Joe - Eastern Subterranean Termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) | BYGL (osu.edu)