Understanding the pest that threatens wood poles across much of the United States.
More than 2,600 species of termites make up the order Isoptera, living in large underground colonies and foraging the top 24 inches of soil to ingest and decompose wood and other cellulose-based materials. In the soil they redistribute materials and are important for a healthy environment.
Only 183 species of termites cause damage to wood structures, and about 45 of those are found in the Continental United States. Of the three types of wood-destroying termites (drywood, dampwood, and subterranean), subterranean termites are considered major wood-destroying pests in many states including California, Arizona, Oklahoma, and throughout the Southeast. Accelerated wood rot in utility poles can begin when termites attack within 18 inches of ground level, allowing moisture penetration followed by rapid rot.
The most destructive species in this group, the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus), is native to China but is now established in most Southeastern states and some areas of California. It was often introduced accidentally by discarded wood from ship repair in ports, or by movement of wood such as old railroad ties. Once established, colonies remain in place permanently.
In Hawai‘i, Formosan subterranean termite colonies have lowered the life-cycle of wood utility poles to just 7 to 20 years.
The best resource for understanding subterranean termites in your area is the University Extension Service serving the local region. Each state maintains this type of resource, which is available to utility companies planning pole protection.
