Coptotermes gestroi
Color: Cream and white
Size: 3-5 mm
Shape: Long cylindrical body
Nutrition: Wood and plant cellulose
Habitat: Tropical regions, native Southeast Asia
They live in colonies. There are three groups: workers, soldiers and breeders.
When building their nests, they build them underground by connecting them with mud tubes to keep them moist and protect them.
These mud tubes can reach trees, buildings or other structures.
They have aggressive behavior. They can search long distances for cellulose-based materials.
They cause serious damage to wooden structures and trees. They are very active after rain.
The most suitable environment for them to live in is humid.
They can communicate through pheromones, contact and vibration.
Their queens can lay thousands of eggs. They quickly form colonies.
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.
They weaken trees and create a risk of falling trees in forests.
When they infest weakened wooden structures, they risk collapse.
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.
Sagging and damaged wooden structures.
