What Kind of Termites Are You Dealing With?
Termites are the worst possible pests any home or business owner will have to deal with. Most of the time they are unnoticed as they cause damage wooden structures on residential and commercial properties. Termites are responsible for billions of dollars in property damage across the United States every year.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites live inside wood, getting the moisture they need from the humid air around them. This is why drywood termites are most common in coastal regions. Drywood termite soldiers and workers are generally larger than their subterranean counterparts. Furthermore, drywood soldiers have black heads instead of the yellow-orange ones found on subterranean termites.
Another difference between drywood termites and their subterranean cousins is the way that they reproduce. Drywood termite kings and queens shed their wings very quickly after their mating flight.
Therefore, homeowners with subterranean termite infestations often find dead termites both with and without wings after a swarm, whereas those with drywood termites are more likely to find dead termites with separate wing piles as their first indicator of an infestation.
Eastern Subterranean Termites
Eastern subterranean termites are found in every part of the country except the northernmost states. Subterranean termites live underground in large colonies with populations that can number into the millions. Termite colonies are managed by a queen that lays huge egg clusters. Nymphs hatch from these eggs before developing into one of three castes: worker, soldier, or reproductive.
Formosan Termites
Less widespread than Eastern Subterranean termites, Formosan termites are often found in the Southern United States. Formosan termites have voracious appetites and are sometimes called “super-termites” and, if given enough time, can quickly destroy the foundations, walls, and floors of a business or residence. Formosan termite colonies consist of three castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives.
How Do I Get Rid of Termites?
Pestmaster® offers a number of termite treatment services designed to help keep your home or business termite-free, including the following:
- Whole-home inspections
- Wood-destroying organism reports
- Subterranean termite control
- Drywood termite control
- Formosan termite control
If you’re worried about termites in your home, contact the pest professionals at Pestmaster® today to find out more about termites and the tools we use to stop them.