Do Termites Need Wet Wood?

Termites are small insects that can destroy your home if they are not properly controlled. They live in the soil and feed on soft wood. They are a serious problem that cost $5 billion per year. Termites can be found throughout the U.S., but they are mostly confined to the eastern half of the country.

There are three primary types of termites. Drywood termites, subterranean termites, and Neotermes. Each type has its own characteristic traits. The differences between them include the size, appearance, and the food they eat.

Drywood termites are found in southern and coastal states. They build smooth gallery tunnels to eat the grain of the wood. They usually form a few thousand termites in a colony. They have a swarmer that is between 12 and 15 millimeters long. They leave behind wings and fecal pellets. They are reddish-brown in color.

Subterranean termites have a king and a queen. The queen is typically the largest termite, weighing up to one-half of an inch. She decides to bring more food for the family.

Neotermes is a diverse genus with nearly 100 species. It is mainly found in Florida. They require high humidity and frequent contact with free water. If the moisture source is removed, the colony will decline.

These termites can invade homes by way of pipes or electrical lines. They are active at night and are attracted to light. The smallest of the subterranean termites are called soldiers. They are about five-eighths of an inch long and have visible wing buds.

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