Oklahoma has plenty of heart and plenty of hope, and, unfortunately, plenty of termites as well. Termites are present in all Oklahoma counties, and the state has moderate to very heavy termite activity, depending on the region. But don’t be afraid, we’ve gathered everything you need to know about Oklahoma termites so you can be prepared to deal with them.
Types of Termites in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has two types of termites: subterranean termites and drywood termites. Subterranean species are native to the region, while drywood termites occasionally appear in the state by hitch-hiking in infested wood.
Out of the subterranean termites, five species are currently established in the state:
- The eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
- The dark southeastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes virginicus)
- The light southeastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hageni)
- The arid-land subterranean termite (Reticulitermes tibialis)
- The desert termite (Gnathamitermes tubiformans)
The eastern subterranean termite is considered the most economically relevant termite in the U.S., which is bad news for Oklahoma homeowners. Their wood-destroying capacity is noteworthy.
At the same time, the desert termite (Gnathamitermes tubiformans) won’t infest wood, but it is a threat to home lawns and livestock owners since its main food source is grass and pasture.
The two drywood termite species that are most likely to visit Oklahoma are:
- The dark western drywood termite (Incisitermes minor)
- The light southeastern drywood termite (Incisitermes snyderi)
What Do Termites Look Like in Oklahoma?
The easiest way to identify a termite species is by looking at their alates (winged adults, also called termite swarmers). But even so, some species are very similar in appearance and can only be distinguished under microscopic analysis. Here are the general characteristics of the alates of each species and what they look like:
Subterranean Termites
- Eastern subterranean termites: These termites are dark brown to black and can reach up to 3/8 in length with wings that have a gray hue.
- Dark southeastern subterranean termites: With the same color range as the eastern subterranean termites, the dark southeastern termite is a bit smaller, reaching about 5/16 inch in length with wings. The wings are completely clear and translucent.
- Light southeastern subterranean termites: Have the same size and are very similar to the dark southeastern subterranean termites. But, as the name suggests, they are light in color with a yellow-to-brown tone. The translucent wings are also brownish.
Photo Credit: Andrey Zharkikh / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
- Arid-land subterranean termites: The alates of this species typically reach 1/2 inch long, with a brown to black body, and can be differentiated by the numerous veins in their wings.
- Desert termites: This grass-eating termite species has rusty-brown alates with brownish-to-gray, opaque wings. Their size goes from 1/2 to 5/8 inch in length.
Drywood Termites
Photo Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org / CC BY 3.0 US
- Dark western drywood termites: The swarmers of this species have a dark brown body and a reddish-colored head and range from 1/2 inch to 9/16 inch long with gray wings.
- Light southeastern drywood termite: Slightly smaller than the dark western drywood termite, the light southeastern drywood has a light brown, yellowish color, and clear wings. It reaches approximately 1/2 inch long.
A curious note: Flying termites are easily mistaken for flying ants. But it is quite simple to tell them apart:
- Look at their wings: Ants have larger front wings and smaller hind wings, while termite swarmers have equal-sized wings.
- Look at their waist: Ants have a “pinched” waist, while termites have a broad waist.
- Look at their antennae: Ants have elbowed antennae, while termites have straight antennae.
Areas Affected by Termites in Oklahoma
Subterranean termites are present in Oklahoma soils statewide, but termite activity is very heavy in the southeastern counties. For most of the state, in cities like Tulsa or Oklahoma City, for example, termite activity is considered moderate to heavy.
As a general rule, termite activity in Oklahoma decreases the further west and north you go. This happens because of the climate: The north is colder and the west is drier, conditions that termites dislike.
And what about the subterranean desert termite? This curious termite species destroys pastures in the dry southwest grasslands, in counties like Tillman and Cotton. And although not yet reported, it is likely that this termite can be found in other counties in Central and Southwest Oklahoma.
Drywood termites are usually transported into the state in infested wood, furniture, and even cardboard boxes and potted plants. Because of this, the areas they might affect are unpredictable.
Signs of Termites in Oklahoma
Termites are a problematic pest because their presence can go unnoticed for years. But there are some signs you can pay attention to that can help detect a termite problem in your home. Here are the typical signs of termites in Oklahoma homes:
- Winged adults (swarmers) or discarded wings coming from inside the home: Termite swarmers emerge suddenly, usually in spring and occasionally in the fall, and can indicate both drywood and subterranean termites.
If you see them swarming outdoors, it does not necessarily mean your home has an infestation, but it signals that a termite colony might be nearby.
- Mud tubes on foundation walls: Because subterranean termites are sensitive to dry air, they build mud tubes to travel from their underground nest to a food source. They look like veins of dirt and are 1/4 to 1/2 inch in width. You may also notice mud coming from cracks between beams and boards.
- Hollow or soft wood: When you tap wood, if it sounds hollow or it feels soft, this might indicate termite damage to the wooden structure. In some cases, if you open the wood with a knife, it is possible to see the workers and soldiers.
- Termite frass accumulating on window sills or close to baseboards: Although drywood termites are not native to Oklahoma, it is always good to be attentive to this tell-tale sign of their presence. Because they don’t need contact with soil, drywood termites nest within the wood, leaving no other visual clue of their presence.
More often than not, the first signs of their presence are the small mounds of termite frass that resemble ground pepper or sawdust.
When Do Termites Swarm in Oklahoma?
Termites in Oklahoma typically swarm in spring during March, April, and May. The desert termite, however, prefers to swarm during summer, after a rain event, and usually at dusk.
Termite Prevention Tips for Oklahoma
A good termite management plan starts with prevention; after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here are some prevention tips from Oklahoma State University against termites:
- Build or opt for termite-proof homes: Prefer termite-resistant structures that minimize any exterior wood. You can also opt for houses that received termite treatment during the construction stage, whether pre-construction or post-construction.
- Protect any entry points: Crawlspace vents and attics (yes, termites can infest your attic), and exterior doors and window frames should be protected with caulk around their edges. Screen over or insert commercial plastic plugs into weep holes in brick facades.
- Replace damaged wood: Rotten wood, cracked wood or wood with water damage is more vulnerable to termite infestations, so replace it with treated wood.
There are other measures homeowners can take to protect themselves from termites:
- Fix any leakages, since termites are attracted to moisture.
- Keep plants a few feet away from exterior walls, because they can facilitate termites’ access to your home.
- Hire a pro to perform a yearly termite inspection to detect early signs of a termite infestation.
Oklahoma Termite Control
If you notice any signs of termites, contact a termite exterminator in Oklahoma. Termites are tricky to control, and a licensed pro will have the tools and expertise to get rid of termites effectively. You can use these guidelines from Oklahoma State University to choose the right pest control company for you.
Because the infestations are usually of the subterranean termite type, the termite treatment options in Oklahoma are mainly liquid treatments or bait systems.
- Liquid treatments: Liquid termiticides can be repellent or non-repellent. Non-repellent termiticides are used to eliminate current infestations and can be applied on infested wood or soil, for example. Repellent termiticides are applied in the soil to create a termite barrier around the structure and keep them from the home’s perimeter.
Homes built on concrete slab foundations often require more extensive applications (under the concrete floor slab, around the slab perimeter, and in the void behind the concrete block).
- Bait systems: Termite bait systems are a slow-acting treatment option that can serve as a complementary treatment in areas where liquid termiticides are difficult to apply (such as damaged foundations) or in areas where previous liquid treatments were ineffective.
Another less frequent option is foam termiticide, used to treat difficult-to-reach areas such as chimney bases. It is important to note that foam is not suitable for treating the soil under a house or building.
A side note: Termite fumigation can also be used when dealing with drywood infestations, but this is a drastic approach used only for severe cases. Because most infestations in Oklahoma are caused by subterranean termites, which build their colonies underground, tent fumigation isn’t very effective against them.
Oklahoma Termite Laws
When buying a house in Oklahoma, you might ask yourself if you should be worried about termites. Well, the answer is yes, and that’s why it is important to know about the state’s termite legislation.
The most important thing to know is that during home sale transactions when a termite inspection is performed, the licensed pest control company must present the information in the Oklahoma Official Termite and Wood Destroying Insect Report (ODAFF-1).
The home seller is the one who usually pays for the termite inspection, although this can vary. In Oklahoma, in addition to the report provided by the seller, the buyer can also hire a licensed company to run another inspection at his own expense. In this case, if visible infestation is detected, the seller must pay for the treatment or any termite damage repair.
FAQ About Termites in Oklahoma
Are There Formosan Termites in Oklahoma?
No, Formosan termites are not currently found in Oklahoma. However, some subterranean termite species can be confused with Formosan termites, such as the eastern subterranean termites that are present in the state.
Are There Mound-Building Termites in Oklahoma?
No, termite mounds are not found in Oklahoma or in the U.S. Mound-building termites are mainly found in South America, Africa, Australia, and Asia.
Can Termites Infest a Brick Home?
Yes, termites can infest brick homes. Although termites cannot damage brick or concrete, they can invade a brick home through small cracks in the foundation or holes between bricks to feed on the wooden framing.
Find a Pro Near You
Having trouble with termites? Luckily, it ain’t too early and it ain’t too late to call a pro: Pest Gnome is here to connect you to the best Oklahoma termite specialists. Get in touch today and get rid of those pesky termites so you can finally rest easy and say: “Oklahoma, O.K.!”
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