Microcerotermes amboinensis
Color: Light brown to yellowish
Size
Workers: 3-5 mm
Soldiers: 4-6 mm
Shape: Long and cylindrical body
Nutrition: Wood
Habitat: Tropical regions, Southeast Asia
They live in colonies. They live as workers, soldiers and breeders.
Workers: Responsible for feeding and nest building.
Soldiers: Protect the nest
Reproduction: They form new colonies.
They build their nests in trees and soil. They generally choose dead or rotten trees.
They feed on cellulose in wood and plants. They are sensitive to light.
They move fast in the open air.
They signal with pheromones to communicate with each other.
They usually breed after rain in hot and humid seasons.
In tropical regions, they damage materials such as furniture, trees and wood products.
They feed on woody products found in fields. They damage the agricultural economy.
Infestations can cause serious costs, both residential and agricultural.
If humidity conditions are favorable in residential areas, they spread rapidly.
They are hardy and adapt quickly to different environmental conditions, making them difficult to control.
Sounds coming from hollow wood may indicate internal damage.
They form mud tubes around their nests. These tubes look like pencils.
They may have pellet-like droppings from infested areas.
When the inside of the damaged wood is inspected, the debris is visible.
During the breeding season they travel in colonies and appear to be alive.