More about Dry-Wood Termites

Abstract

The striking differences in habit between the dry-wood termites and the ground dwelling members of this family of insects Are generally recognized, as indicated by the way in which different popular names are given to them In many countries. For example, dry-wood termites are often called "borers"or "flying termites", while the ground dwellers go by the name of "white ants". In Latin America the common names are"polilla" and "comejen" respectively: though both these terms appear to be used for other pests as well. It is of great practical importance to appreciate that dry-wood termites are in fact termites and not beetles or any other kind of insect, just as it IS also of importance to bear in mmd the ways in which their behavior and social organization differ from their subterranean or mound-building relatives. It is not surprising that in the Old World Tropics "white ants" are associated in most people's minds with the mounds, large or small, which are frequently a conspicuous feature of the landscape. Thus it IS that in dry countries like Arabia where mounds are scarce or quite absent, termite damage to buildings comes as a surprise.