What are the Types of Termites?

There are nearly 2,000 termite species in the world, but only 40 or so in the United States. Even though there are so many different species in existence, they all fall into one of these main types:

1. Drywood termites
2. Dampwood termites
3. Subterranean termites

Habits of Dampwood Termites

True to their name, dampwood termites are attracted to wood that has a high moisture content. They are much larger than other termites and are known to infest stumps, fallen logs, tree branches, and other damp wood sources that are often in decay. When they infest a home, they most likely entered into the building where the wood is touching the soil or where a leaky pipe has created moisture. Dampwood termites cover up their entry holes with their fecal matter rather than building mud tubes as other termites do.

All About Drywood Termites

Unlike other termites, drywood termites do not need contact with soil and only infest dry wood. Since they do not require moisture from the ground, they prefer to nest in dryer wood above the ground, such as roof materials, wooden wall supports, or dead wood around a home. When they infest a home, they likely entered through exposed wood or infested wood that was brought indoors. One reliable way to differentiate them from other types is the fact that drywood swarmers shed their wings after swarming.

What to Know About Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite throughout the nation and are infamous for causing extensive structural damage in thousands of homes each year. This type of termite nests in the ground and constructs tunnels of mud tubes that allow them access into a home. Although they are fervent feeders, they tend to be picky and prefer to chew on soft wood found between the wood grains. Subterranean swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants but have four distinct wings that help differentiate them.

Formosan Termite Behavior

Although they are within the subterranean termite type, formosan termites are known to be the most aggressive type of termite in the nation. They reproduce quickly and are more capable of destroying wooden structures than other species because their colonies are significantly larger. Like most termites, they enter homes through wood in contact with soil and travel through mud tubes in search of damp wood to feed on. They prefer warm climates and are known to be defensive in protecting their territories.