There are several different types of termites that may infest the home in the US, and each one has its own characteristics. Let’s take a look at these species and find out more about them.
Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are the most widespread and most destructive termite species in the US, being responsible for billions of dollars in damages each year. They get their name from the fact that they build their colonies underground. This comes with numerous benefits, including having access to virtually unlimited space to expand. From these massive underground colonies, the subterranean termites tunnel to the surface in search of wood, and when they find it, they are able to deploy hundreds or thousands of workers at once. Because of how these termites build their colonies, they are controlled through methods that are specific to the species such as chemical barriers and baiting systems installed in the ground.
Drywood termites
Drywood termites will target wood that is drier/low in humidity. This sets them apart from most other termites, especially those that target the home. The drywood colony is build entirely in the wood that the termites consume, which makes an infestation much harder to detect than a subterranean termite infestation, where the termites will often build mud tubes to travel from the ground to the wood. Luckily, drywood termites consume wood at a much slower pace than subterranean termites, but if the infestation becomes widespread, than the only way to treat a drywood infestation is to tent and fumigate the home.
Dampwood termites
Dampwood termites are very similar to drywood termites, but they target wood that is high in moisture content. These termites are rarer in home infestations, because of the high humidity required, but once they find suitable wood, they will set up inside and then spread to drier wood nearby. Like drywood termites, they are treated with direct application insecticides if the infestation is small, and fumigation if it is large.
Termite infestations can be devastating for the wood in a building, and if left unchecked or undetected, they can lead to thousands of dollars in repair and control costs. The best way to protect yourself against this is to work with a pro and have regular inspections performed on your home. If you would like to know more information about termites and termite control, or if you are in need of termite control services, contact us today .
