How Far North Do Termites Live?
WouterTermites are wood-boring insects that are most commonly found in tropical regions. They are attracted to food, shelter, and water. They are not harmful to humans, but they can cause serious damage to your property.
There are several different species of termites in the United States. The most common type is the subterranean termite. They have a colony of two million members and live in underground nests. These nests are located at least three feet below the ground surface in coastal regions. They are also commonly found in inland mountainous areas.
The termite society has a caste system. The main castes include the reproductive caste, the soldier caste, and the worker caste. These castes are based on the colony members’ function and structure.
During the spring, the termite swarms and expands its area. In the winter, the colony stays underground, avoiding freezing to death by traveling below the frost line. When the weather begins to warm, the colony will swarm again.
Termite swarms occur during the warmer parts of the year, with the greatest number of swarms in April and May. However, the damage caused by a swarm can be significant. In general, the longer a colony has been established, the worse the damage can be.
The Formosan termite is an invasive species from Asia. It has become widely distributed throughout the United States. They require regular soil contact and need moisture to survive.
The southern regions of the United States have the most termite infestations. Unlike the northern regions, the temperature is relatively mild and the climate is warm. These warmer regions have a greater variety of termite species.
