The Top Termite Species Found in The U.S.

Nobody wants to find out that their house or place of work is infested by termites. While we would all like to prevent all possibilities of an infestation, we must acknowledge that prevention starts with awareness.

Termite infestations can be pretty varying in terms of the type of termite, the extent of damage, and eventually, the eradication method that needs to be used to get rid of them. The United States has reported multiple types of termites spread across its different states and regions. According to The United States Environmental Protection Agency, every year structural damage worth billion dollars is caused due to termite infestation.

While there are about 2,000 known termite species in the world, the five species mentioned below are the most prominent ones that can be found in the U.S.:

• Subterranean termites:Subterranean termites can be found living in underground colonies or moist isolated areas above ground. Colonies of subterranean termites can contain up to 2 million individual members. They are known for constructing distinctive mud tubes, which are narrow channels, to gain access to food and protect themselves from dry, cold air. Subterranean termites are known to be the most destructive species in the U.S. and can be found in every state except Alaska.
• Formosan termites:Formosan termites are infamously known as the most uncontrollable and aggressive species of termites. Formosans build massive underground colonies and construct complex nests of mud inside wooden structures. Formosan termites are extremely difficult to control once they infest a structure due to their aggressive nature. While its origins are from China, Formosan termites can be found in Alabama, Florida, Tennessee, Hawaii, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Texas, Louisiana, and California.
• Drywood termites: As the name suggests, drywood termites are known for infesting dry wood. They generally come in contact with soil and don’t require moisture for survival, unlike the subterranean and Formosan termites. However, they sometimes are found in a wood in proximity to a source of water. This species builds intricate nests in home roofs and walls made of wood. Drywood termites can also infest dead wood that is sometimes kept around in homes. Drywood termites are generally found in southern states of the U.S., starting from North Carolina into the coastal areas of California.
• Conehead termites: Natives of the Caribbean, Conehead termites are a highly invasive species of termites. They were renamed to Conehead termites from their original name ‘tree termites’ to avoid any confusion or misconception that they were only found in trees. Conehead termites move around and feed on the ground like other surface insects. This gives them a unique ability to expand and spread rapidly, unlike other species of termites that rely on tunnels. Conehead termites are extremely invasive, complex, and aggressive species, which leads to rapid and widespread property damage in a short span.
• Dampwood termites:These species of termites infest wood surfaces and objects with high moisture content. Visibly, these damp wood termites are much larger than other species of termites. They cannot be found in structures because the wood used in structures generally has a low moisture content. Dampwood termites are prevalent in the desert or semi-arid southwest, and southern Florida, Pacific coastal and adjacent states.

Wrapping Up

No matter the type of termite infestation you are dealing with, getting rid of termites needs experienced professionals, who are trained in inspecting your home and getting rid of them for good.