Different Types of Termites

Termites, like most insects, are socially structured. They also feed on cellulose containing material such as wood, plant decay and cardboard. There are also many different classifications of termites, just like there are of spiders. Termites are put into different categories based on their habitat and eating behaviors. These are the three different types of termites: dry wood termites, subterranean termites and Formosan termites.

Dry Wood Termites are the easiest to spot among the various termites that exist. Dry Wood Termites live above the ground and even in wood structure that they thrive upon. Dry Wood Termite colonies can be hosted in tree trunks, stumps or wooden areas of real estate.

Dry Wood Termites cause an equal amount of damage to property as other insects. The reason that these termites are considered the easiest to extinguish is that, because they live above ground, they are more obvious and identified. You can easily spot this type of termite and get rid of them before the infestation becomes a huge problem. If you notice fecal pellets in your homes, then it is a good chance that you have Dry Wood Termites.

The second type of termite, Subterranean Termites, also consumes a great amount of cellulose-containing material. Some scientists have reported one single Subterranean Termite worker consuming upwards of 15 pounds of wood a week! These termites burrow underground and create nests there. From these underground colonies, worker termites forage around nearby vicinities in search of food. Then they create mud tube pathways to conveniently lead them to their destination.

Subterranean Termites are harmful in that they chew up the wooden foundations of real estate and properties. They can eat wooden furniture, but not as much as Dry Wood Termites.

The final type of termite is Formosan Termites. This type of termite migrated from East Asia and is the only type of termite not originally from the U.S. They came to us through infested timber during World War II. At one point, the infestation grew so out of control that the government had to organize and extensive pest management system to eradicate these pests. Formosan Termites, like Subterranean Termites, live underground, protected by environmental extremes.