INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OF CALIFORNIA. 29 



Nature of Work. — As previously stated, these termites usually work 

 upon dead or decaying wood, but then usually only in the presence of 

 moisture. In the southern parts of the State these insects have often 

 become destructive to fruit trees, working upon the roots underground 

 and making galleries up the trunk. No doubt they usually begin to 

 work in the decaying tissues, but often continue into the healthy por- 

 tions of the tree. 



Distribution.— This species may be found in almost every section 

 of the State. 



Food Plants. — The following trees are reported as being injured by 

 the common termite : apricot, cherry, lemon, orange, peach and pear. 



Control. — Due to their secluded work the damage is usually done 

 before their presence is known and too late to effect a remedy. How- 

 ever, if close observations are made in infested districts and their 

 work discovered, the colony may be almost entirely exterminated by 

 the use of a liberal dose of carbon bisulfid applied in cotton or a sponge 

 directly within their burrows or under the base of the tree. 



