What are the Different Types of Termites?
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
If you are currently battling against a termite infection, or you suspect one is forming, you’ll need to know which type of termite you’re dealing with. In the United States, there are three main types of termites that are most commonly seen. These are drywood; subterranean, also known as ground termites; and Formosan. Whatever type of termite you’re dealing with, they all live by eating cellulose that’s found in wood. But even though they all live on wood, these different types of termites also act quite differently from each other.
Drywood termites usually like to live above the soil, in areas such as trees, furniture, and houses. These termites live inside of the wood, and slowly destroy the structure from the inside out. Although they might not be found for years, these termites can do a great deal of damage and can completely destroy any structure that they inhabit.
Subterranean, or ground termites, live within the soil. These termites build complex networks of tunnels that allow them to crawl up them and through to nearby sources of wood for their food. Ground termites can do an incredible amount of damage, with some species eating as much as fifteen pounds of wood per week. They also have a very long travel capability, sometimes going as far as 130 feet away from their colony’s main living area to go and find more sources of wood. Unfortunately, this is also the most common type of termite that is found in the United States.
Formosan termites are relatively new to the States, being brought over from East Asia after World War II. These termites look and act much like ground termites, and weren’t actually identified as a different type of termite until the 1960s. These termites too, can do an amazing amount of damage in a relatively short time.
Facing termites can be challenging. But knowing which type of termite you’re dealing with first can help you understand the habits and ways of the termites, and that can be your biggest line of defence when it comes to battling the terrible termite.
For a free Orange County termite inspection, give us a call at 888-675-0258 or contact though our website.
Tags: termites