These social and destructive insects live off wood, decay and dead leaf and plants. Although there are over three thousand species of termites, there are three main groups called the subterranean, Formosan and drywood termites. These groups of termites have many different varieties and live in different parts of the country. Knowing the type of infestation you have is vital to eliminating your home of an infestation.
Drywood Termites
This termite infests drywood and is a bit bigger than the subterranean termite. These termites have wings and fly from area to area because in search of food sources. The drywood termite lives above ground unlike the other two groups of termites. This helps to identify them if you have an infestation in or around your home or building.
This termite lives in rotted tree trunks, stumps and in some cases buildings. Because these termites live above ground, the destruction is noticed before it become serious. If you spot a dry, powdery and smooth looking pellet piles by a wood structure, chances are you have an infestation of drywood termites. The termite pushes out the feces as they feed on the wood, leaving the evidence of infestation.
Subterranean Termites
The subterranean termite is found in many areas of the country. They also are the most damaging termite of all the species. They live underground and feed on wood. They search out their food source and tunnel into areas they find food supplies. The termite usually caused a great deal of damage before being detected. Repairing the damage made by the termite can amount to a sustainable amount of money.
Consuming up to fifteen pounds of wood a week, a single termite that goes undetected can eat you out of house and home before you realize what the problem. Think about how much wood is consumed by thousands of termites. This makes their type of termite the worst out of all the groups of termites. If one two by four weighs ten pounds, one termite can consume three two by fours in three weeks while we know there are more than one termite, your house could be condemned in a matter of months.
Because they live underground, you may see worker termites in foundations and in some cases your furniture. Once they have their fill and now food left they will move on to the next food source, maybe a neighbors home.
Formosan Termites
Not native to the United States, the Formosan termite originates in Asia and come to the states on wood products brought in by ships during the WWII. Many times home where built of infested wood and the cost to the government was substantial to rid the homes of infestations. The termite lives underground as well.