Termites are a common nuisance for homeowners. Each year, the small bugs contribute to $30 billion worth of damage to buildings and crops. If you suspect a problem, knowing what type of termite you’re dealing with, as outlined below, will make it easier to conclude what type of issues the bugs could cause; this will also help a pest control provider prevent property damage.

A Guide to 3 Types of Termites

1. Subterranean

Although subterranean termites can be found all over the country, they tend to gravitate to the hot weather in the South. Responsible for 95% of all termite damage in North America, the insects build large colonies in moist soil, burrowing up to 150 feet into the earth to find wood for sustenance. Within the colony, swarmers have two pairs of wings, range from dark brown to black, and are ¼ to ½ inch long. The wingless workers are cream-colored and up to ¼ inch long, while the soldiers have white bodies and brown heads. As the bugs burrow into the soil, they often get into homes through siding close to the ground and cracks in property foundations.

2. Drywood

Unlike subterranean species, drywood termites make their colonies above ground. Prevalent in Southern California and the Southeast, the pests take in moisture from the humid surroundings. They burrow into trees and man-made wooden structures—including siding, eaves, and walls—to create their nests. They eat wood from the inside out, creating hollow tunnels and chambers for reproduction in the process.

On average, homeowners can spend $3,000 repairing the damage done to flooring, walls, furniture, and other wooden belongings. After swarming, the alates lose their wings, which differentiates them from subterranean varieties. The bodies of workers and soldiers are also larger.

3. Dampwood

Whereas drywood species get moisture from the air, dampwood varieties seek saturated surfaces. The bugs are typically found in the West, Southwest, Pacific Northwest, and parts of Florida. At 25 mm long, the swarmers can be easier to spot compared to subterranean varieties. The workers and immature termites can reach 20 mm long. The insects are attracted to wet stumps, piles of lumber, and broken branches in the yard.

 

Regardless of the type of termite in your home or yard, you can trust the technicians at Copter Pest Control in Enterprise, AL, to put an end to your bug problem. The licensed and insured local exterminators have been providing Alabama residents with effective pest control services since 1959. To schedule a termite control appointment in Coffee or Dale counties, call (334) 347-2430. Visit the Reader’s Choice Award™-winning company online for a complete list of services, and become a Facebook follower for advice on infestation prevention.