For homeowners, few words in the English language are scarier than termites. Termites have the ability to cause major structural damage to your home and surrounding structures. Every year, termites cause over a billion dollars in damage to American homes.
In spite of its common occurrence, homeowners know very little about termites. There are many different types of termites that can plague your home.
Read on to learn all about the different types. Explore topics such as the various termite species and signs of the parasite in your home.
What Are the Different Types of Termites?
There are thousands of termite species in the United States. They vary based on several different factors. Location, climate, and soil are just a few factors that dictate the species of termite.
Most termites need a moist environment to live in. Then, they can enter any home or physical structure without detection.
Often, you do not discover the presence of termites until it is too late. Continue reading for a brief summary of some different types.
Subterranean Termites
The most common type of termite is the subterranean species. They are attracted to moist conditions. This makes homes with poor draining a perfect target for subterranean termites.
They are known for building mud tunnels that lead them to a food source. Of particular interest for subterranean termites are tree stumps, firewood, dead trees, and mulch.
There are many different subterranean termites across the United States. For example, the desert subterranean termite is found in southern California and Arizona. The deep south is home to the Formosan type of subterranean termite.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites are commonly found by termite treatment companies. The dampwood variety thrives in moist conditions.
They do not like wood structures as much because of a lack of moisture. Dampwood termites are easier to identify than other species because they are large comparatively speaking. You can find dampwood termites in the southeast portion of the U.S., as well as southern Florida.
Drywood Termites
Another common type is the drywood termite. They are found throughout the southern half of the United States. Clearly, drywood termites are attracted to warmer temperatures.
Unlike most termites that require moist soil, drywood termites live in wood structures. They thrive in furniture, flooring, and framing material.
Like the subterranean termite, there are many different sub-types depending on the location. The West Indian drywood termite is just one example of many.
What Are the Signs of Termites?
Regardless of the type, there are common signs that you have a termite problem. The presence of mud holes or softwood are two clear signs.
Discarded wings near a window sill are evidence that termites may have intruded. In some cases, technicians observe uneven wall paint or bubbling. Another sign is when wood structures grow darker or blister.
Enjoy Life Termite-Free
Termites are small but can cause massive damage to your home. By knowing the types and signs of termites, you can help prevent an infestation. Taking steps like keeping firewood and tree stumps away from the home can go a long way.
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