TYPES OF TERMITES
Termites require no introduction, regardless of where you live on the planet. Termites can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can also be fairly numerous.
Some have names we can’t even pronounce, much less recognize. Some termites, on the other hand, never fail to get our attention with their existence and the obvious devastation they cause.
To defend oneself from looming danger, everyone should learn, recognize, and understand these insects. By the end of this article, you should have a formidable arsenal of knowledge against these pests.
This article describes the various termite species so that you can recognize them and take the required precautions. Let’s get into the details without further ado.
15 TYPES OF TERMITES
- SUBTERREAN TERMITES
Sub-Types Include:
- Arid-Land Subterranean
- Dark Southeastern Subterranean
- Desert Subterranean
- Eastern Subterranean
- Formosan Termites
- Western Subterranean
Let’s learn about the numerous types of termites here. We’ll go over the major categories and subcategories of termites within them. A few sub-types are also worthy of attention.
Subterranean termites have a sleek appearance. These termites are known for creating simple paths from their store to their food. Even though they are only 0.13 inches long, they are capable of causing havoc when the time comes.
These termite kinds tend to protect themselves from the air. As a result, you’ll typically find them underground establishing vast colonies.
Keep in mind that most termites enjoy wet environments. The moisture that accumulates in the root of plants attracts the subterranean termites that remain outside.
Their hue can range from a creamy white to dark brownish tones. Given that you’re occupied with your daily responsibilities, they’re unlikely to emerge in front of you.
These termites like to leave their tracks beneath. So, if you notice mud upheaves around your house, you’ll know what’s going on.
If you uncover indications of entry, you can also tell if these pests have infiltrated your home. Small wings around the hole or the bug itself are signs of entry.
Whether you believe this to be true, go inside and observe if any of the wood in your home is soft.
If normally hard woods turn soft, you must take immediate action.
Mature colonies do not establish in areas where cleaning is done on a regular basis. If your property is left filthy for an extended period of time, it is more likely to be infested by these termites.
Remember that subterranean termites are the most dangerous because they work invisibly and grow quickly. In other words, even before you get a hint, they can push you into home and financial ruin.
Getting rid of clogged water and moisture in and out of the house is the most effective way to prevent termite infestation. Keep a safe distance from damp wood. Finally, perform annual pest control.
FORMOSAN TERMITES
The colony of Formosan termites is usually quite well organized. As a result, termites are allocated distinct responsibilities. For instance, some of them are reproductive, while others are soldiers and gatherers.
These termites resemble subterranean termites in appearance, but there are some differences. They have six legs and are fairly thin.
Are you unsure whether your home is infested or not? The first step is to inspect your home’s lighting.
If you have a termite infestation, the termites will inevitably congregate near light sources. Termite bodies or discarded fans will be found. You’re ‘probably’ safe if you don’t come across any of these.
The Formosan termite is a wood-loving species. Looking for hollow or eaten away wood is another approach to check for infestation. If you suspect an infestation based on the above indicators, it’s time to call for pest treatment.
Instead of constantly maintaining your wattle fence, for example, if you have termite problems in your fences, you can look into fence alternatives rather than dealing with all that maintenance.
The best defense against these many types of termites is prevention. The initial step in that direction will be to look for water drainage around your home.
If you come across one, investigate whether it leads to wooden planks or fences. In most cases, the infestation starts small.
Finally, keep in mind that Formosan termites are naturally hostile. Unlike other termites, they are not restricted to the ground.Winged termites will infest many levels above ground level in huge buildings. This is a cause for concern as well as caution. We must be vigilant.
DRY WOOD TERMITES
Sub-Types Include:
- Desert Drywood
- Southeastern Drywood
- Western Drywood
You may have observed micro-balls or dirt surrounding very small holes if you’ve been to the countryside. Fecal pellets – the dry wood termites’ wakeup cry – are these particles.
The body of these termites is thin, with various winged forms. They not only dig underground, but they also fly to infest higher ground. As a result, if you wish to engage with them, you should automatically be concerned.
Again, there is no discrete worker class in the colony. As a result, there are a lot of Swarmers and Reproducers. In other words, they can expand their colony more quickly than other termites.
These termites aren’t as dark as other termites. They have a creamier hue tone to them and are immediately identifiable.
Do you want to know something interesting about them? Because these termites aren’t attracted to wetness, you’ll usually see them swarming on a hot summer day.
These species thrive in dry wood, such as firewood and trash wood. This is why they are referred to as dry wood termites. They can get into your wood stack and even the handles of your fire pit tools, so be cautious.
The colony multiplies when we move infested furniture or pieces of wood without being cautious. So, the first step in prevention is to be wary of any wood that appears to be rotten.
To keep the bugs at bay, make sure that any scrap wood you throw out is at least 30 feet away from your home.
If you have huge trees on your property, make sure that any large branches that fall to the ground are cleaned up. Finally, prevent from scattering scraps throughout your yard. It’s worth it to pay attention to staying clean and sanitary.
DAMPWOOD TERMITES
This is the only termite species that is not soil-dependent. This elevates them above all other termites on our list in terms of importance and risk.
Consider a termite that does not require soil to establish a colony. To put it another way, a group could be forming within the boards of your wooden types.
The explanation is simple: if they get upon dampened wood, they will establish a colony. The infestation starts on moist wooden items as well as living trees. They can also harm several square meters of agriculture because they are fast eaters.
Worse, if the wood is damp enough, the colony can subsist on a single plank of wood. Because of their reddish-brown pigmentation and rigid caste system, these termites are easily identifiable.
If you see feces pellets and shredded wings with red termite indications, you’ll know who’s to blame.
It’s worth noting that the simplest way to get rid of a damp plank infestation is to throw it away after wrapping and sealing it in polythene. In most cases, burning or discarding affected woodworks as a cure.
However, if you fear a large-scale attack, don’t hesitate to contact pest control. It’s better to be safe than sorry later, after all.
CONE HEAD TERMITES
This class of termites is known for their aggressive troops. The heads of the soldier class are conical at the top.
And as a result, the insect was given a name. As you may have seen, each termite species has a particular food. Conehead termites prefer cellulose compounds as a food source.
In other words, these termites are a real pain in the neck for wood and trees. Many people also refer to them as “tree termites.”
It makes no difference to the coneheads whether the wood is soft, hard, damp, or dry. They’ll eat anything that includes cellulose. This puts your garden, house, tool shed, siding, and even fences at risk of becoming infested.
DESERT TERMITES
These termite types developed in the deserts, as their name implies. They prefer to develop their colonies in sandy places due to their origin.
If the soil isn’t sandy enough, the termites will go to great lengths to artificially make the soil porous – all in the name of creating a cozy home.
Moisture is scarce in sunny deserts. To stay close to moisture, the bugs will create soil and saliva granules.
A desert termite infestation is treated in the same way as a dry wood termite infestation. As a result, we will not elaborate on it in order to avoid redundancy.
You won’t have to worry about desert termite infestation if you live in an apartment. Only if you have a garden within your home would this be an exception.
TERMITE DAMAGE SIGNS
Untrained individuals may not always be able to detect termite evidence; nevertheless, homeowners can occasionally detect a potential termite infestation by being watchful in and around the property. If you notice any of the following, contact a pest professional right away so they can assess the situation and make a treatment recommendation.
Mud tubes on the house’s façade
When you tap soft wood in your home, it sounds hollow.
Wood constructions darkening or scorching
Paint that is uneven or bubbling
Near a termite colony, little heaps of feces that resemble sawdust
Swarmers have entered the house by leaving wings near entrances or on windowsills.