Termites are detritus feeders. They love to eat woods, cellulose-based plant materials and wood in the soil. These silent destroyers could be secretly hiding in your home. They’re unwanted guests with a mouth capable of destroying woody materials. Though they’re small, their feeding habit can cause costly damage to your property.
The understanding of the creatures you want to get rid of is the key to an effective termite control program, according to US Termite. Below are the four common types of termites:
Subterranean Termites
These types are very common across the United States. Subterranean termites live in colonies underground and are dependent on moisture for survival. They build mud tunnels to search for food above ground level.
Interior damage caused by subterranean infestation may not become noticeable until it’s full-blown. Its damage is sometimes comparable to water damage. Swollen floors and ceilings, buckling wood and visible mazes within furniture items and woods are outward signs of termite damage.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites build colonies in wood. You can usually find them in attic wood. Unlike subterranean termites, they need very little moisture to survive. Drywood infestations are common in antique furniture.
Formosan Termites
These types like to live in densely populated areas and warm climates. Formosan termites are usually found in states across the southern US. They nest within the soil and infest structures from the soil directly through wood. When these termites feed on wood, they leave behind smooth sided galleries that can cause structures to sag.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites are larger than their subterranean counterparts. These types usually nest in damp and decaying wood. They don’t often have contact with soil and usually eat across the grain. The wood they infest looks clean and smooth inside.
Though termites are beneficial to the ecosystem, their feeding habits can cause severe damage to your homes. Termite infestations can compromise the safety and strength of your house. If you see any signs of termite damage, call your local pest exterminator immediately.