Nasutiform Termites

Origin: Three species of these unusual termites are found in North America, occurring in Texas and Arizona. They are common in Latin America where Nasutitermes is native.

Biology: The soldiers of these species are distinctive, in that they have a central snout instead of a pair of jaws, and are able to eject a defensive liquid from the snout when alarmed or in battle. The workers may create aerial nests of carton, or nest under rocks, livestock droppings, and other debris on the soil, and aerial nests are still connected to soil nests with mud tubing that the workers can travel through. Swarming flights occur on warm nights in early summer, and in the fall after a rain.

Identification: Soldiers are distinct with the central tubular snout, and they have long legs and dark brown color. Alates have pale wings with 2 thickened veins along the leading edge that run from the base to the tip of the wing. Both a fontanelle and ocelli are present on the head, and a “scale” at the base of the forewing does not overlap the same scale on the hindwing below it.


Characteristics Important in Control: Control is primarily by soil applications of residual insecticides, either as pretreatments or as treatment post-construction. Termite bait products may prove to be effective in eliminating underground colonies altogether. Control of excessive moisture conditions and unnecessary wood materials under or near the structure are preventive measures.