Did you know termites cause roughly 5 billion worth of damages each year? You heard that right termite are one of the most common and destructive pests that can be found in your house. This the primary reasons that the insects have been dubbed the “silent destroyer.” While there exist over 2000 termite species the following are some of the most common types that you may find in your home. Learn more now.
Types of Termites Commonly Found in Homes
Subterranean Termites
Commonly found in the southern United States this subterranean termite is the most damaging and destructive termite species in the eastern United States. They live underground and create their nests in mud and soil. Usually not more than one to two inches long subterranean termites are grayish and can be found near baseboards and other areas of your home that have drips and moisture. Their colonies can have a population of over 500,000 when they are present in large numbers.
Drywood Termites
This termite species is responsible for causing more damage to houses than any other type of termite. This can be attributed to the fact that they create their nests in wooden structures, unlike subterranean termites. They are usually very small in size ranging from ¼ inch to 1/8 inch and have a creamy brown color. Their colonies are smaller than subterranean termites and can have a population of under 50,000.
Dampwood Termites
Found in Eastern North America damp wood termites create their nests in damp timber. The color of these insects is usually reddish-brown or dark brown and they can grow to be up to 1 inch long when they are adults. Although they like areas with high moisture levels, these pests do not have an aversion to dry areas that are infested with mold since they also feed on it.
Conehead Termites
Even though they are rare conehead termites are gradually gaining attraction due to their ferocity and destructiveness. These pests are named for the cone-shaped structure on the head of the adult female that resembles a pine cone. They are also known to be found in other structures as well such as lightweight materials or even above-ground structures that were once made out of wood. They live above ground and may sometimes behave like ants.
Southern Red-headed Termites
These termites can be identified by their shiny redheads and are common in southern countries such as America and South Africa. They also share similarities with subterranean termites such as their habits and appearance but they prefer areas that contain higher moisture levels.
Desert Termites
Found in desert areas these termites are generally yellowish-brown in color and often mistaken for giant ants because of their size. Due to their affinity for dry land in the United States, they are found in areas such as Texas and New Mexico.
Formosan Termites
Formosan termites are also common in the United States in areas such as Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas even though their main origin is China. They are considered to be one of the most destructive pests in the U.S. due to their large size and ability to survive in different areas both moist and dry. Formosan termites are also known for their strong smell which has been described by some as a burnt coconut or a cheese-like scent.
Extermination of Termites
There are some general steps that you can take to get rid of termites. You can prevent the pests from getting into your home by sealing any gaps and allowing no air to enter them and cracks.
You can also take care of these pests by using chemical pesticides that have been proven effective against these insects. In addition, you can hire pest extermination services in your area to handle termite control at your home. These professionals can also recommend means of prevention and hence save you future costs associated with these pests.
Bottom Line
While termites may be small insects they can be costly pests at home. They exhibit strength in numbers and their ability to work tirelessly towards the destruction of property makes them one of the key pests to be wary about. It is important to take the necessary precautions such as hiring pest control services to limit and eliminate the destruction caused by these insects.