Drywood termites
Compared to subterranean termites, drywood termites do not need to be near soil and prefer to eat dry woods. These types of termites are commonly found in the southwest including northwest Mexico and in coastal states.
Drywood termites commonly establish nests in roof materials, such as attics, and structures such as wooden support beams, furniture, and hardwood floors.
Drywood termite swarming typically occurs on sunny days after a sudden temperature increase. These termites are homebodies, setting up house within the wood itself. Their colonies tend to be smaller than those of subterranean termites, so they cause damage at a slower rate.
There are three types of termites in this species:
> Western Drywood, found in southwest such as Arizona and California
> Southeastern Drywood, these are the most common types of termites in Texas, Florida and Alabama
> Desert Drywood, found in Arizona and southeastern California
Dampwood termites
If you haven’t guessed by the name, dampwood termites infest wood with high moisture content. Dampwood termites rarely go inside a property since dry wood is generally used for building.
However, they might be feeding on the old tree stump right next to your home. They do not live or burrow underground as they do not need contact with damp ground. However, they do require wood in contact with some moisture.
Dampwood termites are commonly found on and adjacent to the western coast of the U.S. and in the desert or semi-arid southwest.
This species has four types of termites present in the US:
> Desert Dampwood, found in southwest regions such as Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, and California
> Florida Dampwood present in south Florida and Florida Keys
> Nevada Dampwood, found in Nevada, Idaho, and Montana
> Pacific Dampwood, located in California, Oregon, and Washington
Formosan termites
Formosan termites are a type of subterranean termite which originated in China but are the most aggressive termite species in the US. They prefer mild climates such as those in the southern U.S. or Hawaii.
Their colonies are similar to those of subterranean termites, which are larger in size. Since their colonies are large, they are able to consume a great amount of wood compared to other termite colonies.
Formosan termites build underground colonies that include intricate mud nests that are well-contained within a walled structure. These types of termites can be problematic to control if they infest a structure.
Depending on where you are located, you will be more susceptible to different types of termites. If you experience any evidence of termites in your home, feel free to contact SafePro Pest for your Termite Control needs where our experts can identify and take care of different types of termites in Texas.
