Types of Termites: Identifying different types of termite species 

There are over a dozen different termite species and subspecies that are known to infest homes and buildings within the United States. Learning to identify these pest termites based on their nesting and feeding behaviors is key for property protection. This guide covers details on dampwood termites, drywood termites, subterranean termites like Formosans, and less common species—highlighting vulnerabilities, signs of activity, and control methods for each.

What are the main types of termites?

The three main categories of termites are subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites. Each type has different habits, food sources, and threats they pose. Getting familiar with these major termite groups can help homeowners better understand signs of termite infestations.

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites thrive in humid conditions and only infest wood with high moisture content exceeding 20%. There are two main genera:

• Zootermopsis dampwood termites – Most notable is the Pacific dampwood termite (Z. angusticollis) infesting the Pacific Coast. Rotting logs and lumber are vulnerable.
• Neotermes dampwood termites – Primarily located in southeastern states like Florida where humidity allows their colonies to flourish.

Identifying traits and signs of dampwood termites:

Dampwood termites target wood with high moisture content. Signs include mud shelter tubes, temporary swarmers, and wood decay. Sections of wood may sound hollow when tapped. Contact a pest control professional if you see accumulating termite fecal pellets or droppings. Specialized inspections can detect dampwood termites.

Drywood Termites

As the name denotes, drywood termites thrive in seasoned wood with low moisture. Several species exist:

• Kalotermitidae drywood termites – Most common is the western drywood termite (Incisitermes minor) found across southern U.S. states.
• Southeastern drywood termite (Incisitermes snyderi) – Closely related species concentrated in Florida and nearby states.
• Desert drywood termite (Marginitermes hubbardi) – Arid-climate species rarely invading structures in California, Arizona and New Mexico.

Common identifying signs of drywood termites:

Drywood termites create small, powdery fecal pellets in infested wood. They also kick these out of tiny holes they create. Drywood termites do not need contact with the soil and they infest furniture, wooden structural pieces, and panels. Their six legs are noticeably hairy. Getting an expert inspection can confirm drywood termite presence.

Subterranean Termites

The most widely dispersed category is subterranean termites that nest underground but exploit vulnerable cracks in structures using protective mud tunnels. Major species include:

• Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) – Most common subterranean invader found in nearly all mainland U.S. states.
• Western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus) – Closely related species concentrated largely in California and western states.
• Desert subterranean termite (Heterotermes aureus) – Arid region nesters occasionally exploiting moisture sources to invade structures in California, Arizona, and Nevada.

Identifying traits and signs:

The most common signs of subterranean termites are mud tubes constructed along foundation walls or pillars. Mud tubes allow termites to travel safely to their food source. Other indications include hollowed wood, swarms during spring, and disc-shaped pellets. Schedule a professional termite inspection if you observe these.

Formosan Termite

Native to China and Taiwan, Formosan termites are a highly invasive and destructive variety of subterranean termite. Key facts:

• Aggressive eater of both seasoned and freshly cut wood
• Massive mature colonies exceeding 10 million termites
• Concentrated across Gulf Coast states and Hawaii

As a subterranean species, Formosans construct expansive mud tunnel networks exploiting cracks in structures. Their voracious wood-destroying capabilities necessitate rapid response to detected invasions.

Less Common Termite Species

There are some rarer termite varieties which occupy unique ecological niches. While limited in distribution, they remain threats for homeowners within vulnerable regions.

Conehead Termite

The conehead termite (Nasutitermes corniger) is a tropical variety named after the distinct conical point on the heads of the soldiers. Most commonly found across Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, isolated colonies exist across southern Florida and parts of Hawaii.

Signs of coneheads:

• Large earthen mounds built around their nesting sites
• Foraging mud tunnels may exploit cracks in structures
• Possible swarming flights emerging from concealment inside buildings

Arid Land Subterranean Termite

As the name suggests, the arid land subterranean termite (Reticulitermes tibialis) is a variant species of termite adapted for hot and dry climates of the southwestern states. It rarely invades man-made structures but may infest wooden posts, fencing or lumber in contact with soil. Activity areas usually remain concealed underground.

Identifying traits:

• Forages using shallow underground mud tunnels
• Colonizes arid habitats with limited plant life
• Concentrated in southern California and Arizona

Dark Southeastern Subterranean Termite

The dark southeastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes virginicus) represents a genetic variant of the common eastern subterranean termite concentrated across the southeastern United States. It exhibits deeper pigmentation and tunnels into soft wood more aggressively.

Range & identifying features:

• Favored habitat across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia and the Carolinas
• Constructs narrow earthen tunnels penetrating cracks and joints of structures
• High risk for extensive internal damage to walls and wooden materials

Why is it important to identify the termite species?

Identifying the exact species allows pest management professionals to assess the risk and necessary termite control methods. Subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites have different behaviors and threats. Treatment plans account for the invading species’ nesting places, colony sizes, reproductive capacity, and food preferences. Matching control methods to the termite type improves elimination.

What are termites commonly found in my state?

The most common termite species varies by US geographical region. Subterranean termites like the eastern subterranean, western subterranean, desert termite, and Formosan termites threaten most states. Drywood termites including the western drywood termite mainly live in southwest states. Specific dampwood termites inhabit Pacific Coast regions. Getting a professional termite inspection can accurately identify regional species.

Professional Identification & Control Methods

Discovering any potential indicators of termite presence in or near homes warrants having expert assessors further identify species, extent of spread, moisture leaks, entry points and necessary remediation. Technicians have specialized equipment and depth of training for conclusively diagnosing drywoods versus subterraneans, dampwoods, invasive Formosans or other obscure niche cases – which each necessitate tailored countermeasures.

Addressing precisely identified root causes, strategically tapping species vulnerabilities, and monitoring for lasting results constitutes science-backed protocols only licensed specialists can provide to free homes from termite hazards permanently with full colony demise – not just chasing surface manifestations. Custom elimination projects eradicate current pests and fortify vulnerable areas.

Can I schedule a free inspection to identify termites?

Yes, you can schedule a free termite inspection with a pest control company. Technicians will thoroughly check your home’s interior and exterior for any signs of activity. If evidence of termites exists, they will confirm the species and extent of the infestation. This helps create a customized treatment plan for eliminating termites at the source.

Geographic Distribution & Regional Variations

In addition to key distinguishing traits, understanding termite geography and hyperlocal risks also aids effective response. While subterraneans pose threats countrywide, prevalence concentrates based on climate. Formosan termites migrate from subtropical zones and concentrate damage across Gulf areas. Drywood distribution aligns with structural moisture control needs of Western states. Matching location factors to species optimizes preventative vigilance.

Termites Commonly Found Nationwide

The most widespread species – Eastern subterranean and Western subterranean termites – nest underground and operate through tunnel networks causing foundations, floorings and major wood structures to deteriorate if left unchecked. Homeowners across the country should watch for signs of mud tubes, winged swarmers, and inner-wall hollow pockets signaling risks.

Regional Variations in Termite Species

Climate variations change relative risk levels posed by drywoods and Formosans in warmer areas, requiring extra monitoring diligence attuned to finding frass pellets in attics and upper levels in addition to subterranean mud tunnels down at ground level. Understanding key regional nuances improves planning protective measures.

Pacific Coast & South Atlantic Termite Species

The West Coast’s high moisture content nurtures Pacific dampwood termites that harness overly wet unfinished wood to proliferate. Georgia and Florida similarly see Australian subterranean termite manifestations thriving in humid ambiences within soils. Careful moisture and humidity regulation limits conducive environments.

In a nutshell, comprehensive professional termite control accounts for exact species identification, structural and regional risk factors for tailored elimination strategies that get reinforced by vigilant monitoring and moisture management for lasting security. Reach out to reputed specialists at first signs of concern.

What are reproductive termites?

Reproductive termites have wings and are capable of starting new colonies. They are also called alates, swarmers, or winged termites. Most reproductive termites are dark brown to black. Swarming events signal an existing mature colony nearby. If you see winged termites, contact a professional for an inspection.

Can termites differ in appearance?

Yes, termite species can vary in size, coloration, and other physical traits. Worker termites look different across subterranean, drywood, and dampwood groups. Soldier termites have distinct large, darker heads to defend the colony. Identifying specifics like wings, antennae, and waist shapes requires microscopic or expert examination.

Why are Formosan termites considered so destructive?

Formosan termites have the largest colonies of any species, containing several million members. They also eat cellulose rapidly at an alarming rate of up to 13 feet per year. Formosan termites can chew through plastics, thin metals, mortar and other barriers. Getting immediate help after detecting these invasive pests limits damage.

Will there be any visible termite damage?

In early stages, termite damage goes undetected. Over time, heavily infested areas manifest signs like wood decay, weakened structures, and accumulations of wings or termite droppings. Tap wood surfaces with the handle of a screwdriver – damaged sections sound hollow. Noticing indications early protects against escalating destruction

Conclusion

There are over a dozen known termite species which can cause significant damage to your homes and buildings within the United States depending on climate, moisture, soil and other factors making certain regions more vulnerable. Learn to identify the category based on nesting and feeding behaviors within your area – whether drywood, dampwood, or subterranean termite.

 Key signs involve fecal pellets, mud tunnels, moisture issues, and wood damage patterns. But confirming the exact species through professional inspection allows precision treatment plans for elimination and prevention. With termites inflicting billions in property damages annually, stay vigilant in monitoring your home for early warning signs before destruction escalates.