U.S. Termites Come in Three Varieties

Termites chew on wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The home destroying pests can go undetected for years behind walls, in attics, and under the floor, which is why they cause more than $5 billion a year in damages to property. Three kinds of termites reside in the U.S. that homeowners should be aware of, and vigilant for signs of infestation.

Subterranean Termites

The most pervasive of the termite species as they live throughout the U.S., Subterranean termites live in colonies of up to 2 million. They can be difficult to identify by sight. Organized colonies function in a caste system, much like ants, so their appearance varies depending on their job. Reproductives are the largest at 1 inch long, while workers are the smallest at 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch. Soldiers are the same size as workers, but have large mandibles and a two-toned coloration (cream-colored body with a brown head).

Signs of home infestation include "mud tubes" or mud tunnels, bubbled or cracked paint, wood that sounds hollow when tapped, and soft wood that easily scrapes away. Another sign can be a thin, grayish-brown coating of film on surfaces.

Formosan Termites

Considered the most aggressive of the termites, Formosans are similar to Subterraneans in that they also live in large colonies, but are only found in Hawaii and the southern states. At around a 1/2 inch in length, they build intricate mud nests inside walls and a colony can eat through a foot of a 2X4 piece of wood in 25 days.

Besides wood, they also devour anything celluloid-based like plant-based fabric and carpet. In addition to homes, Formosans also infest trees, utility poles, and boats.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites, like their name, make their home in dry places like attic framing, window/door frames, trim, eaves, and siding. They are different from Subterranean and Formosan termites in that they do not require moisture or soil contact to survive, they live in smaller colonies of around 2,500, and have no caste system (the young ones do the work). Mainly found along the U. S. southern coastal regions from South Carolina to Texas, they're also found along California's west coast. With no need for tunneling to access soil, Drywood termites fly inside buildings and infest the wood directly.

They can infest furniture and other wooden household objects like picture frames, making it easy for them to be found in new geographical locations after a household move.

Choosing a Pest Control Professional

Most termite experts recommend annual home inspections. Because it can take years for damage to become visible, inspections don't necessarily guarantee there's no termite infestation, but professionally trained termite inspectors will know the not-so-obvious places to look. They also know local weather patterns and seasonal conditions when termite swarms should be most visible.

If a termite inspection does reveal an infestation, get at least two estimates from established, licensed termite exterminators. Compare treatment methods along with costs. Be sure to get all the details about treatment procedures, chemicals, warranties, liability insurance, and such in writing before signing any contract.

Termites can ruin a home, but annual inspections and homeowner awareness of infestation signs can catch trouble before it becomes irreparable. Contact a professional termite inspector if your home is due for an inspection.

Steve Gott is a professional pest-control technician with years of experience. He enjoys helping people keep their residences pest-free and blogs for a variety of websites with his insights on the subject. Visit www.termitetreatment.com for more ideas and solutions.