Termites In Oklahoma: Something Interesting About These 2 Termite Species

Oklahoma on its own is a beautiful city with its cowboy culture and tourist museums and memorials; however, the termites in Oklahoma have proven to become a thing of interest as well.

These ants have proven that little things too matter as well, as they have increased in population and caused great havoc in this beautiful city.

In this article, we will not be describing the beautiful city of Oklahoma, but we will be discussing the amazing termites in Oklahoma!

 

What are the Types of Termites in Oklahoma?

It is important that we start by mentioning the types of termites in Oklahoma, as some descriptions will depend on the type of termite.

It will interest you to know that there are 2 types of termites in Oklahoma and they include the following:

• Subterranean termites
• Drywood termites

The subterranean termites are the domestic termites; that is, they are native to the Oklahoma region; the drywood termites, unlike the latter, are not native; that is, they do not occur naturally in the region but are being introduced via transportation in already-infested wood.

Currently, there are 5 species of subterranean termites in Oklahoma that are popularly known, and they include the following:

• The desert termite
• The eastern subterranean termite
• The arid-land subterranean termite
• The dark southeastern subterranean termite
• The light southeastern subterranean termite

Of the 5 subterranean termite species mentioned, 2 stand out and they are:

• The Eastern Subterranean termite:

This species of termite is popularly known in the entire United States for its ability to cause havoc and destroy wood to very large extents. Their infestation capacity is quite notable.

• The Desert Termite:

This species of subterranean termites is known for its incessant ability to consume pasture and grass. They do not infest wood but will be an issue for livestock and lawn owners.

We mentioned previously that drywood termites do not occur naturally in Oklahoma, but are being transported mostly through infested wood. The most common drywood termites in Oklahoma include:

• The light southeastern drywood termite
• The dark western drywood termite

 

Read also: How to Kill Formosan Termites Permanently

 

What Do Termites Look Like In Oklahoma?

After knowing the types of termites in Oklahoma, you must be able to identify what these termite species look like, whether Subterranean or Drywood.

• Subterranean Termites:

• • Desert Termites:
    • They have non-transparent wings.
    • This subterranean termite size is 0.5 to 0.628 inches in length.
  • Eastern Subterranean Termites:
    • They are dark brown in color.
    • They have gray-hued wings.
    • This subterranean termite size is 0.375 inches in length.
  • Dark Southeastern Subterranean Termites:
    • They are dark brown to black in color.
    • They have translucent wings.
    • This subterranean termite size is 0.3125 inches in length.
  • Arid-land Subterranean Termites:
    • They are brown to black in color.
    • Their alates reach a length of 0.5 inches.
    • They have outstanding veins on their wings.
  • Light Southeastern Subterranean Termites:
    • They are yellow to brown in color.
    • They have brownish, translucent wings.
    • This subterranean termite size is 0.3125 inches in length.
• Drywood Termites:

• • Light Southeastern Drywood Termites:
    • They are light brown to yellow in color.
    • They have clear wings.
    • They measure 0.5 inches in length.
  • Dark Western Drywood Termites:
    • They are dark brown in color and have red-colored heads.
    • They have gray wings.
    • They measure 0.5 to 0.5625 inches in length.

 

What are the Signs of Termites In Oklahoma?

Termites in Oklahoma are capable of infesting greatly without being noticed for a long period of time, probably until the deed has been done. Below are some possible ways to detect termites early:

• Termite Frass:
  Termite frass is defined as insect excrement/debris. It may be easy to identify the infestation of subterranean insects; however, drywood termites may prove difficult to identify. One of the easiest ways to identify them is by paying attention to the frass that accumulates on window sills.
  This frass usually resembles sawdust or ground pepper.
• Mud Tubes:
  

  

  Another sign of termite infestation is the sighting of mud tubes on walls or between board cracks.
  Because subterranean termites are sensitive to normal dry air, they tend to build mud tubes (0.25 to 0.5 inches in width), which they link to the food source. This way, they are able to travel to and fro without the dry air affecting them.

• Discarded Termite Wings:
  

  

  Sighting discarded termite wings is a sure sign of a termite infestation, but it does not necessarily mean that these bugs are in your home; it surely indicates there are termites nearby.
  As you keep reading, we will soon answer the question: When do termites swarm in Oklahoma? Termites tend to swarm during spring and their wings are one sure way to tell that they are nearby.

• Hollow Wood Sound:
  If you tap your wood and it sounds empty or hollow, then this could be a sign that there’s termite activity inside the wood.

 

When Do Termites Swarm In Oklahoma?

You must have noticed a great number of termites swarming after heavy downpours. Well, termites generally have the tendency to swarm after rainfalls but some common species still have a time or season when they normally swarm.

Below are some common termites in Oklahoma and the months they are likely to swarm:

• The Arid-land Subterranean Termite: This subterranean termite species tends to swarm during the day in the spring and fall.
• The Eastern Subterranean Termite: This subterranean termite species tends to swarm during the day between the months of March and May.
• The Dark Southeastern Subterranean Termite: This subterranean termite species tends to swarm in daylight, sometimes during the fall and between the months of March and June.

 

Read also: Termite Season | When is Termite Season?

 

Where are There Termites in Oklahoma?

• Subterrranean Termites:
  • Southeastern Counties
  • Oklahoma City
  • Tusla

The subterranean termites are very common in the entire Oklahoma state but are more common in the areas mentioned above; their populations, however, decrease in the western and northern regions of Oklahoma due to the dry and cold weather conditions of the regions, respectively.

• Drywood Termites:
  The areas affected by these termites are quite undecided since they are not native to the region and only occur as a result of being transported via already-infested wooden items.

• Subterranean Desert Termites:
  • Southwest Grasslands
    • Tilman county
    • Cotton county
  • Central Oklahoma
  • Southwest Oklahoma

 

Termites in Oklahoma Prevention

There is a saying that prevention is better than cure, and that is why we have listed below the possible methods to prevent an infestation by these pesky termites if you live in Oklahoma or any part of the world.

Below are some useful tips to prevent termites in Oklahoma:

• Seal cracks and crevices.
• Seal possible entry point edges with caulk.
• Replace damaged wood (rotten, cracked, soaked) with newly treated wood.
• Termites are attracted to damp areas so it is advisable that you fix possible leakages and reduce the moisture areas in your structure.
• Plants should be kept at a notable distance from your exterior walls, as they can serve as inviting walkways to your home.
• Employing the services of pest control experts annually will help curb an infestation before it even begins.

 

How To Kill Termites in Oklahoma City

1. The Use of Liquid Treatment Methods:
   1. Repellent Termiticides
   2. Non-repellent Termiticides
2. The Use of Bait Systems:
   This method is most suitable for areas where the liquid termiticides could not reach and were ineffective.
3. The Use of Foam Termicides:
   This method is simply to reach areas that are difficult to reach normally. It should be noted, however, that this method is unreliable when treating the soil under your structure.

 

Read also: What Are The 7 Signs Of Termite In A Home?

 

Conclusion

Termites in Oklahoma are mostly subterranean termites that are native to the region, and it is important that they are treated with caution as these pests can be very tricky and pesky.

Another way to kill termites in Oklahoma City is simply by employing the services of licensed pest control experts. This way, you are certain that your infestation control is in good hands.

What do you think of the termites in Oklahoma City? Do you think there’s something we missed about these pests? Do communicate your questions to us via the comments section, as we eagerly await responses.

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