A Guide To Different Types of Termites

Looking at one single termite might not seem very dangerous or possible to cause much harm, but a colony of termites is different. Serious structural damage to your home or other property can come from a colony of termites, and it happens faster than you might think. That’s why it’s important to treat termite colonies as soon as you suspect you might have a termite problem. Each year termites average $5 billion in structural damage. 

There are about 2,000 known species of termites in the world. In this guide, we’re going to talk about a few of these different types and how they differ from each other. 

Subterranean Termites

This type of termite is the most common type of termite in the United States and can be found in every state except for Alaska. This termite species typically live in underground colonies or moist secluded areas above ground. Their colonies can have up to 2 million members and they are by far the most destructive type of termite in the United States. Their distinctive mud tubes are a significant sign that you might be able to notice before anything else. 

Formosan Termites

This type of termite is the most aggressive and devious out of the 2,000 known species. They are most commonly found in the Southeastern part of the United States such as North and South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, etc. They organize huge colonies underground and build distinctive mud nests inside of walls. Since they are known for their aggressive nature, they are difficult to control once they begin to infest a structure. 

Dampwood Termites

Their name makes them pretty self explanatory. They are most present in pacific coastal and adjacent states or the desert. They most commonly infest wood with high moisture content. They are also larger in size than most other termite species. 

Drywood Termites

Unlike the Subterranean and Formosan termites, Drywood termites don’t require access or contact to soil. They prefer to infest wood that is dry and lower in moisture content. Roof materials, dead wood and wall supports are where they most often establish their nests. They don’t require as much moisture to survive as other types of termite species, and they can most commonly be found in Southern states such as the coastal area of the Carolinas and across The Gulf Coast. 

 

If you suspect you might have a termite infestation, contact Scout Pest Control here. Scout Pest Control is your local pest control company and exterminator in Huntsville, Madison, and Athens, Alabama.