Termites

Drywood Termites

Color: Creamy white to light brown

Shape: Long, narrow and oval

Size: 3/8 - 1 inch

Region: Primarily found coastally from South Carolina westward to Texas and up the west coast to California

Habits

Drywood termite colonies can have up to 2,500 members. All the work in the colony is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood.

Threats

Drywood termites can infest structures causing significant structural damage. They can chew through walls, floors and support beams causing expensive repairs.

Prevention

Drywood termites can be avoided by making sure firewood and scrap wood is stored at least 20 feet from the home. Drywood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes. As a Drywood termite treatment tactic, seal all cracks and crevices in a structure.

Formosan Termites

Color: Creamy white to brownish

Shape: Long, narrow and oval

Size: 1/2 inch long

Region: Found in Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, and California

Habits

Formosan termite colonies have an average of 350,000 workers, but are able to contain several million termites. They build intricate mud nests in the ground. These termites are also known to infest shrubs, trees, utility poles, timber, railroad trusses and even boats.

Threats

A mature colony can cause severe structural damage to a home in as little as six months.

Prevention

Reduce humidity in basements, attics and crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Use gutters, downspouts and splash blocks to divert water away from you home are foundation. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. Store firewood 5 inches off the ground and at least 20 feet away from the house.

Subterranean Termites

Color: Creamy white to dark brown/ black

Shape: Long, narrow and oval

Size: 1/8 inch long

Region: Found throughout the U.S.

Habits

Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or above ground in secluded moist areas. They swarm during the spring when groups of the reproductive termites go off to start new colonies.

Threats

Subterranean termites the most destructive termite species. They can cause severe property damages by eating extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.

Prevention

Reduce humidity in basements, attics and crawlspaces with proper ventilation. Use gutters, downspouts and splash blocks to divert water away from your home and foundation. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. Store firewood 5 inches off the ground and at least 20 feet away from the house. Eliminate wood contact with the soil. with a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.

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