Termites are highly destructive home pests that can cause significant damage to wood framing and other parts of a home. Colonies often grow unnoticed until it’s too late, so it’s important to identify the different species and contact termite control professionals quickly. Below is a guide to the most common termites and how you can protect your home.

4 Types of Termites

1. Subterranean

Subterranean termites live underground rather than in wood and build mud tubes in moist soil so they can travel safely to gather food. Satellite colonies may form near leaking pipes and other water sources above ground, such as near piping in a crawlspace, and they chew on softwoods and newspapers.

These termites create honeycomb-like colonies, and the best way to prevent them is to remove standing water near your home’s foundation. Make sure your gutter system drives rainwater away and that crawlspaces and other humid areas are well-ventilated.

2. Formosan

Formosan termites come from Japan and breed rapidly in large underground colonies. They’re very similar to subterranean termites and are often misidentified. A clear sign of their presence is flying termites that gather near lights and hollow-sounding wood that has been chewed along the grain.

You can prevent these termites by removing standing water and storing firewood at least 20 feet from your home. You should also have termite control professionals inspect your every three years and treat areas these pests may be nesting.

3. Dampwood

Dampwood termites nest in wet wood and will swarm an area to nest in and then seal it off. Because they prefer wet wood, they’re less likely to attack your home, which should have low-moisture wood. They may damage areas on your property with wet or rotten wood, however, which is why it’s best to remove these scrap piles.

4. Drywood

Drywood termites typically nest in the dry lumber used to frame homes. They search for cracks in the exterior and then gnaw tunnels in the boards to host the colony. You can usually hear them inside the walls—workers bang their heads to alert the colony if they detect a threat—or will find their waste collecting outside the entrance to their colony.

 

If you’re looking for termite control services, contact All Service of New Braunfels, TX. These professionals provide comprehensive pest control services, including termite treatments, and they also handle chimney sweep services and duct cleaning. Call (830) 626-2847 to speak with a representative today and receive 10% off termite treatments. You can also visit their website to explore their full scope of work, and receive more pest control tips by connecting on Facebook.