What Termites Are There in Your Home?

Termites are silent destroyers and can chew through wallpaper, flooring, and even structural wood. They are one of the only categories of insects that are not dependent on soil. They have microscopic, one-celled organisms in their intestines that break down indigestible cellulose into smaller units, making their work easier.

There are three major types of termites in the U.S., but all three can cause significant damage to your home. Among them are the dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites.

The dampwood termite is the largest in North America and typically lives in moist wood such as fallen trees. It can survive in very dry environments as well. It rarely infests properties, but it can cause serious damage to your home.

The drywood termite is often found in southern states. It infests dry wood and can be found in coastal areas of California and southern tier states. It can be introduced into homes through attic vents, wooden wall supports, and other wood structures.

The drywood termite swarms during warm days and evenings. It can appear in groups of up to 40 nymphs and one soldier. They are a brown to red color with two sets of wings.

The drywood termite colony may have about 70-700 termites by the fourth year. In some cases, multiple drywood termites will infest the same piece of wood. A mature colony can contain hundreds of thousands of individuals.

The Formosan termite is one of the most destructive and voracious types of termites. These termites are native to China, but they are also found in Hawaii, South Carolina, and other parts of the United States.

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