Termite Control Network

Types of Termites

There are thousands of different species of termites. Out of that total number, only a relatively small number are considered pests. This article is primarily concerned with the types most prominently found to cause damage to homes in North America. There are three major categories or types of termites: drywood, formosan, and subterranean termites. Each of the three types has its own unique characteristics, including physical size, area where it prefers to feed and the ecological climate in which it is most often found. A rundown of these broad categories with some specific details on each of the three can help homeowners identify the ones they are dealing with, and also to recognize the significant structural and financial threat they can pose to your home.

Drywood

Drywood termites like to live above the soil. They are most typically found in wooden structures such as furniture, trees, and house walls and floors. Once these types of termites have established their domain they are difficult to eradicate. They are hard to detect until they have already caused substantial damage because oftentimes, the damage is not visibly apparent from the outside. As they eat away at wood they weaken the structure of the object they are devouring. These colonies eat wood 24 hours a day, so they can cause tremendous damage if unchecked. But unfortunately, this damage is incredibly difficult to detect early on. Even trained professionals often struggle to discover their entry point in order to eradicate an infestation of drywood termites.

The drywood termite is especially dangerous because these types of termites can have thousands of members in a single colony. They do not just eat wood, either. They are known to also eat through wallpaper, plastic, and even plant based fabrics. Because they prefer to live above the soil they do not require moisture like some other types of termites. For this reason, they can build colonies away from the soil, in nests and tunnels burrowed into trees, homes and other buildings. One effective way to try to prevent drywood termites from getting into your home is to avoid storing firewood near your house. Also, be sure to maintain the outside of your home by sealing up cracks and other openings where they may gain entry.

These types of termites are the most common in the United States. They are so hard to deal with because by the time you notice the damage they have done, it is often too late to save or repair a structure, a piece of furniture or other object.

There are hundreds of different species of drywood termites, although only a few reside in the U.S. These few are known as "furniture enemies," and are most commonly found in the southeastern and middle portions of North America. Although individual colonies might be smaller in number than subterranean species, there may be multiple colonies infesting the same house, so their destructive power is immense. They typically live in the wood rather than in mud tubes, and tunnel along the grain of wood.

Formosan

The Formosan termite is considered the most destructive of all types. It is actually labeled by some as one of the types of termites that fall under the subterranean category. Formosan colonies can be hundreds of feet long and have thousands of members. Their members are classified into three distinct types, each of which performs a specific function in the colony. There are workers, soldiers, and reproductives (kings and queens). These particular types of termites are so powerful in their destructive ability that they can actually destroy a home's foundation within only a few months. It is critical to get help dealing with these types of termites as quickly as possible.

To prevent Formosan termite infestation, make sure you have good water flow going away from your house. Set your grade so that rainwater drains out easily and does not sit against the home's foundation. Do not store any damp wood near your home either, as this is a prime target for these pests.

Formosan termites are nicknamed the "super termite" by some because of their awesome destructive ability and also due to their rapid reproductive process. They are known to eat wood, plastic and even metal, and their queens can lay hundreds of eggs or more in a single day. They do great damage by eating through a home's walls. One telling sign of a Formosan termite infestation is a bulging wall. These types of termites can devour more material more quickly than other types, so it is critical to respond quickly by consulting an expert as soon as you suspect an infestation.

Subterranean

Subterranean termites have the largest colonies of all species. Their colonies can actually number into the millions, incredibly enough. Similar to the Formosan termite, these types of termites eat wood, plastic, wallpaper, and fabric made out of plant materials. They are dependent upon the soil for survival. They prefer to live underground or in damp places like rotted trees. Every spring groups of these types of termites fly off to start new colonies. They are known to eat through almost anything, including plastic pipes, subflooring, insulation, and many other objects.

Subterranean termites are known simply as the ground termite in some circles. They make tunnels up to the ground from their colonies in order to reach their food. These tunnels can be a sign of termite activity for these types of termites.

This broad category includes some subcategories that some experts prefer to divide them into because of certain varying geographical boundaries and specific characteristics each subgroup displays. These common group designations are eastern, western, and desert subterranean termites. Each of these three types can be studied independently for its particular traits, but each of these types of termites is considered a pest and all of them are extremely destructive to homes.

The eastern variety is the most prevalent type in North America. It is also known as the soil feeding termite. It feeds on things like cotton, trees, paper, bush roots, and of course, wood. These types of termites are particularly attracted to wood cellulose. They can have colonies of several million members.

The western subterranean termite is by far the most common of all types in the western part of North America. They tend to be most often found in the basement and lower levels of the home. They build their colonies below the frost line but above the water table. They too like cellulose so look for damage to walls, dressers, wood floors, and so on. They are the most common urban termite in warmer climates out west.

Desert subterranean termites are the types of termites found in arid climates in the southwest U.S. and in Mexico. They are the only type of termite that can burrow and feed in dry wood. They make tube huts that hang from shelves, ceilings, and so on.

All termite types are dangerous and potentially destructive. Early warning signs of their destructive activities are hard to come by. If you find a winged termite in your home that is strong evidence that they have infested your dwelling somewhere. Contact a professional to deal with any of these types of termites.