 |
March
PEST OF THE MONTH Desert Termites |
During times of long drought, desert or agriculture termites become a pest. Desert termites do not feed on dead wood or homes. They are grass feeders and feed on the roots of plants.
Long
term drought causes plants' roots to shrink closer to the soil surface, and
as a result, desert termites travel to the surface after their food.
Desert termites can be damaging to hay fields, but rarely damage lawns. If populations become too numerous, they may appear to feed on the grass from the surface, forming mud tubes above ground and up grass blades. Mud tubes are often mistaken for earthworm tunnels.
To prevent desert termites water your lawn appropriately.
This will keep the roots long and the termites down. Break up tubes that form
on the ground surface with a rake or heavy chain. The more you annoy them, the
more likely they are to leave. There are no pesticides labeled for desert termites
and nothing that will provide relief longer than a few days. The best treatment
is to wait it out and water them down!
For more information contact:
Molly Keck, Integrated Pest Management Program Specialist.
3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212
210/467-6575
mekeck@ag.tamu.edu