Western Drywood Termite

Western Drywood Termite

Incisitermes minor

Daily sighting probability <5% · Rare
at San Francisco

In 3 days ~10% in a week ~20%

50 Verified sightings at San Francisco
September Best month

About the Western Drywood Termite

Incisitermes minor is a species of termite in the family Kalotermitidae known commonly as the western drywood termite. It is native to western North America, including the western United States and northern Mexico. It has been found in many other parts of the United States, all the way to the East Coast. It has been reported from Toronto. It has been introduced to Hawaii. It has been noted in China and it is not uncommon in Japan. This is an economically important pest of wooden structures, including houses. In California and Arizona alone its economic impact is estimated to be about $250 million per year.

Within a single colony there are three types of termites, the alates, soldier, and worker. This eusocial species is a dark brown color and has an orange head. The colonies are most active during the spring and summer, preferring to be active in higher temperatures.

There are three types of termites within the colony: the alate (swarmer), the soldier and the worker. Alates have an orange-brown head and pronotum, an 11–12.5 mm long, dark brown abdomen. This is the only caste that leaves the colony, which happens when they seek a mate. If they are successful, they will... Wikipedia →

Global Distribution

Parks Where Found

# Park Country Daily sighting probability

More parks will be added in future updates.

Cities Where Found

# City Country Daily sighting probability
1 Tijuana 🇲🇽 México
~10%
2 San Diego 🇺🇸 United States
~10%
3 Los Angeles 🇺🇸 United States
<5%
4 San Francisco 🇺🇸 United States
<5%

Before you go

What are the chances of seeing a Western Drywood Termite in San Francisco?

Rare

Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Western Drywood Termite sighting in San Francisco on a given day, based on 50 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data. It is the 222nd most-seen of the 737 insects we can rate there. Over three days the chance rises to about 10%, and over a week to about 20%, if each day is a fresh chance.

When is the best time to see a Western Drywood Termite in San Francisco?

Any time of year

In every month with enough records, under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Western Drywood Termite in San Francisco on a given day, so our monthly data shows no clear season.

Is San Francisco the best place to see a Western Drywood Termite?

4th of 4

Of the 4 cities where we can rate Western Drywood Termite sightings, San Francisco ranks 4th at under 5%. The best odds are in Tijuana (México, about 10%), San Diego (United States, about 10%) and Los Angeles (United States, under 5%).

Where does the Western Drywood Termite sighting chance come from?

GBIF citizen-science records

It is estimated from how often the Western Drywood Termite is recorded against all the insects logged in San Francisco (50 verified sightings), calibrated against known sighting rates. Figures are rounded to the nearest 10% because citizen-science data supports honest approximations, not decimals, and months with records from fewer than five people show "—". How it works.

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