a termite control technician sprays insecticide

spraying-for-termitesDid you know that there are four primary species of termites in the United States? If you need termite treatment near NYC, it helps to know more about which termites are affecting your property. Keep reading to learn how to distinguish the different types of termites out there.

 

Subterranean Termites

These termites live underground, in the soil. They eat only soft wood fiber, so it’s common for wood consumed by subterranean termites to have a honeycombed pattern with leftover grain, which subterranean termites do not eat. Subterranean termites oftentimes have fairly large colonies with several thousand workers. Pest control specialists all over the continuous U.S. deal with this termite but they are especially common in warmer climates in the southern and southeastern U.S.

Drywood Termites

As you may gather from the name, drywood termites live inside dry wood. Unlike the other types of termites, drywood termites do not need soil to survive. Drywood termites can live in dry conditions for extended periods of time because their metabolisms are good at extracting moisture out of the wood they eat. Drywood termites are usually found in flooring, framing, furniture, and structure of the home. It’s not uncommon for them to form several colonies throughout the house. Wood consumed by drywood termites is usually clean and smooth, almost as if it has been sanded.

Dampwood Termites

These termites are only found in wood with a high level of moisture. Like drywood termites, dampwood termites also do not require soil to live. They are usually found in decaying wood, dead trees, and tree stumps—but they have also been found in buildings with wood-to-ground contact and areas affected by water leaks. It is hard to find any signs of wood damage externally, but

Formosan Termites

This is the most destructive type of subterranean termite in the country. If they do not have a permanent source of water, they are able to form a nest inside the colony that retains water while they search for more water. These termites tend to be large, sometimes up to hundreds of thousands of termites.

 

Different Types of Termites Serving Long Island and surrounding areas

Richmond | Kings | Nassau County | Suffolk County

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