What Are the Most Common Types of Termites?
Every single year, property owners spend over two billion dollars to treat termite infestations, which can cause billions of dollars in structural damage to property owners. If you are worried about having a termite infestation, you cannot afford to second guess yourself.
By learning to identify the most common types of termites in your home, it will be much easier to prevent or get rid of them before they cause serious damage to your home or property.
Do you want to learn more about the most common types of termites? Keep reading this guide for everything you need to know about the different kinds of termites, termite treatment, and termite removal prices.
COMPARE QUOTESDrywood Termites
One of the most common types of termites is drywood termites. This type of termite prefers to live above ground in dry wood and trees. Unlike other types of termites, they do not require moisture in their nests.
Often, you can find dry wood termites in states to the South East of the United States, or areas with drier conditions.
These termites will live inside wood and will start to eat it from the inside out. You may find them in your home in window or door frames or even in your attic.
Subterranean Termites
Another common type of termite is a subterranean termite. These termites live underground and make large tunnel systems under your home. This group of termites is responsible for most of the damage done by termites and their number one source of food is wood.
Because these termites tunnel, it can be difficult to spot them. They often get underneath houses and eat through foundations, support beams, and more, causing massive structural damage for homeowners.
Subterranean termites may have the largest colonies and can reach more than two million termites if the infestation is not controlled. If you notice any tunnels or mud tubes on your property, this is a sign of a subterranean infestation.
COMPARE QUOTESDampwood Termites
As implied by the name, dampwood termites build their colonies in decaying wood. Because of this, they are often found along the coast, where the humidity and moisture can cause dampness.
However, this type of termite is also attracted to homes with moisture issues, from plumbing leaks or other issues.
You can often find damp wood termites in decaying woodpiles, so keeping your property clean and clear of rotting wood can deter these infestations.
Formosan Termites
Next, you need to be aware of Formosan termites. They are another type of subterranean termite and are often known as the most destructive group of termites. They originated from China and Taiwan and are known to thrive in coastal or humid areas, like Hawaii.
Because these termites are so aggressive, it can be quite difficult to control them once there is an active infestation.
Conehead Termites
Conehead termites are another invasive species that originated in the Caribbean. They are often referred to as tree termites, even though they are not only found in trees.
While other types of termites tunnel through the ground to travel, conehead termites forage on the ground, similar to ants.
This makes it easy for them to spread quickly, which also makes it easy for them to cause serious property damage in a short amount of time.
Desert Termites
Desert termites are another type of subterranean termite, which build mud tunnels through the soil. They are found in hotter regions, like New Mexico, and typically feed on decomposing plant material.
Signs of Termite Damage
Even if you haven’t identified any of these types of termites on your property, you can look for signs of termite damage to spot an active infestation.
Because termites will often feast on the wood in your homes, termite damage may appear as small holes in your drywall, peeling paint, and even mud tubes on your wall. These are the tubes through which many types of termites will travel.
You may also notice small insect wings or termite droppings, which look like salt and pepper. Termites will shed their wings after mating, so if you see termites flying in your home, you may have a mature colony of termites.
If you notice any of these signs of termite damage or a termite infestation, it is essential to contact a pest control company to learn of the extent of the infestation. This way you can get learn how to get rid of termites.
COMPARE QUOTESTermite Removal
How much is termite removal? The cost of services will depend on many factors, including the extent of your termite problems, the size of your home, and more.
The national average cost of termite treatment is about $325 for a single treatment, plus an additional $55-$75 for each monthly preventative service. If your home is severely infested, it can cost well over $2,000 to exterminate the entire colony.
To get an accurate estimate of how much termite removal will cost in your specific home, you can get a free 15-minute survey of your home to learn more about the level of infestation you are dealing with. Most companies will provide free quotes for their pest control services.
Get Help Removing These Different Types of Termites
Termites can be one of the most destructive pests for property owners. By learning how to identify these types of termites, you can prevent damage to your property.
Do you need help getting rid of termites in your home? Pest Extinct can help! Our pest guide and cost calculator can help you learn more about the cost of any pest control service. We can help you compare prices and get connected to local pest control companies.
Contact us today to learn more about our pest control services or to compare quotes now!
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