A single termite is not a very impressive creature – blind, squishy, pretty much unable to survive outside of the ground. But get a few hundred thousand of them together and you have a wood churning machine. Termites are sometimes referred to as the “silent destroyers” because they will infest a building and then quietly, with very few outward signs, devour the wood inside it. In fact, termites cause 5 billion dollars in property damage every year. But not all termites are the same. Let’s take a look at the different termite species out there.
Subterranean termites
Subterranean termites are the most widespread and destructive species in the US, and they are found in every state with the exception of Alaska. As the name suggests, this species builds its colonies underground, which can reach up to two million members. When infesting a home, or when travelling above ground, they will create mud tubes, which help them survive when they leave their colony.
Formosan termites
While subterranean termites do the most damage due to their sheer numbers, Formosan termites, sometimes referred to as super termites, are able to do damage due to their aggressiveness and voracious nature. In fact, once a Formosan termite colony starts to attack a building, it is very difficult to stop it.
Dampwood termites
Dampwood termites are usually the least of your worries when it comes to these insects, because they prefer to infest wood that is high in moisture, and this type of wood is not generally found in buildings. However, if you have leaky pipes near a wooden pillar, these termites might show up.
Drywood termites
Drywood termites on the other hand are quite likely to show up in your home, and unlike subterranean and Formosan termites, they will infest wood that is not in contact with the ground, which makes them harder to detect. Usually, they will infest wood in the attic or roof, and the wooden support structures of a building.
What to do if you have an infestation?
If you notice the signs of an infestation in your home, or if you suspect that an infestation may be present, your best bet is to call over a pest control specialist who will perform a thorough inspection to determine the termite species and the right course of action for getting the infestation under control. Contact us today for more information.