Powderpost Drywood Termite vs Western Subterranean Termite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Powderpost Drywood Termite Western Subterranean Termite
Scientific Name Cryptotermes domesticus Reticulitermes hesperus
Order Blattodea Blattodea
Family Kalotermitidae Rhinotermitidae
Size Workers 3-5 mm, soldiers 4-5 mm 4–8 mm
Habitat Woodlands Underground
Diet Wood Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Tropical Asia, Pacific Islands Western North America
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

Powderpost Drywood Termite

A destructive drywood termite that reduces wood to a fine powder. It is a major pest of wooden structures across tropical Asia.

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Did You Know?

Infested timber can appear intact on the surface while being completely hollow and powder-filled inside.

Western Subterranean Termite

The most common structural pest termite in western North America. Colonies build extensive underground tunnel networks connecting to above-ground wood sources.

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Did You Know?

A single colony can contain over one million individuals and forage across an area of half an acre.