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Termites
Iowa termite colonies are highly organized societies of several hundred thousand to 1 million or more individuals. Termites found in Iowa live underground within a loose collection of tunnels and chambers, giving them the name “subterranean termites”.
Does landscape mulch lead to termites in your home?
The subterranean termites found in scattered, localized areas around Iowa are routinely found in wood chip mulch and other wood products on or in the soil (lumber scraps, boards, firewood, pallets, etc.). Does this mean, as some pest control advertisements claim, that mulch attracts termites to your home or that the mulch somehow causes termites? The answer to both questions is, "no."
Termite Distribution in Iowa
Below is an updated map that indicates our best guess on where eastern subterranean termites occur in Iowa. In our records and conversations we have been able to document that 94 Iowa counties have reported termites. In other words all but 5 counties have had activity by termites reported at one time or another.
Termite Baits: An Update
The following information is adapted from Kentucky Pest News, Number 840, March 29, 1999 . By Mike Potter, Professor of Entomology, University of Kentucky). Similar information is on the Iowa State University Integrated Pest Management web site at http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/iiin/termites/ .
Termite Control In Iowa
There are no easy answers when choosing termite control for your home. There are several different treatment methods available; all are effective, and there is no one "best" treatment. Treatments should be tailored to your home and situation and the extent of the infestation.
Termite Biology Update
Although there are 47 different species of termites in the U.S., Iowa is fortunate to have only one species that consistently attacks houses and other structures, the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes. Research on this termite has yielded the following interesting information.
Termites in Mulch - Another Urban Myth
There has been considerable interest in Formosan termites after an article began circulating on the Internet claiming Formosan termites will be coming to eat your house if you buy low priced wood-chip mulch from garden centers this spring. The theory is that trees blown down in New Orleans by Hurricane Katrina were infested with termites and that those trees willed be chipped into mulch and shipped across the country, spreading Formosan termites.
Plant & Insect Diagnostic Clinic Update - May 05, 2017
The following are highlights and updates about samples and questions recently received in the Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinic. Visit the PIDC's Facebook page to ask questions and for updates and more pictures. For more information on a particular disease or insect problem listed, follow the article cited.
Diseases
Comparison of Winged Ants and Termites
Ants: Wings of different sizes; antennae "elbowed"; pinched "waist." | Termites: wings of equal size; antennae straight; no pinched "waist." |
This article originally appeared in the March 30, 1994 issue, p. 38.