It is a widely accepted fact that there exist a great number of termites in this world. Interestingly, these termites are different in their size, shape, and species type. A majority of these creatures love to feast on wood, and this process can have serious damages to the structure of your home. However, with the growth of science and technology, human beings are equipped with the latest methods to restrain their growth. On the other side, by taking a look at a single termite, the sight of it does not show fear and awe.
However, a large group of them can be a severe threat to the foundation of a home. In this regard, it is interesting to note that these termites are also known as silent destroyers. It is so because they have the ability to gnaw wod and other wood-related materials in the home. But, if you have a thorough knowledge of the types of termites, then it would be easier for you to control them. Recent research has shown that each year; termites cause about 6 million dollars of loss in the form of property damage.
The 5 various Termites Species
By knowing about the species of termites, you are doing your house a great amount of good. This is so because as the ground warms up, the termite populations journey on their quest of finding a hospitable property. These species cannot withstand heat and warmer climates, and this is the reason they always invade those residential properties that have dampness and have reduced water discharge systems. On the other hand, these termites look quite similar to an ant or a flying insect, and this is the reason there are no such exceptional reasons to suspect them on the basis of their appearance. Here is the list of various types of termites who have the ability to cause damage to the structural design of a property and Human body seriously.
Formosan Termite
1. Formosan termites
It is one of those termite species that have originated in China. Interestingly, this species have the prestige of being one of the most aggressive termite species in the world. They are also known as the most voracious termite species ever known to man. In this regard, it is interesting to note that these species of termites are usually organized into different underground colonies and Mounds. They also have the ability to build several mud nests inside the walls of human settlements and houses. This species of termites are a bit difficult to control. It is so because they are aggressive and once they go inside a structure, they destroy the structure.
The Formosan termites are also known by the subterranean species of termites. Quite interestingly, they have three castes in the form of workers, soldiers, and alates. The alates are associated with the reproduction process of the species. They are also known as super termites due to their aggressive nature.
How to identify the Formosan Termites?
You can quickly identify a Formosan termite based on its color. The color of this type of termite ranges from creamy white to brown. In terms of body shape, it is shaped in a long, narrow and oval silhouette. It has got six legs and has antennae. The Formosan Termites usually vary in size from 0.5 inches to 1 inch. They are mainly found in various parts of the world. However, few critical areas where they are located are North and South Carolina and Hawaii.
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How do the Formosan Termites look?
These species of termites have wings that are transparent. Moreover, these wings are covered with small dense hairs. Also, the castes of soldiers that are found in these species have rounded heads that taper towards the front. In this regard, it is interesting to note that the Formosan termites are often confused with flying ants. However, if you are aware of the facts & how to identify them, you need not to worry much. It is so because, with advanced termite control sprays, their growth can be restrained thereby saving your home from the damage.
The signs of infestation of a Formosan Termite
It is interesting to note that you may notice various signs that indicate that there is infestation from the Formosan termites. The primary sign that shows that there is an infestation of the termites is in the form of the fact that you may notice swarmmer or the winged termites that are for the purpose of reproduction. However, with proper termite control methods, their growth can be restrained quickly.
Subterranean Termite
2. Subterranean termites
It is an interesting fact to note that the secret termites are found in a majority of a state except Alaska. These species of termites usually dwell in underground conditions. This is because unlike other termites, they also love the dampness and moisture in their nest. Interestingly, the colony of subterranean termites can likely contain up to 2 million members. It is one of those species of termites who have the ability to build mud tubes so that they can secure themselves from open air. They are most often referred to as the most destructive species of termites in the U.S. As per many termite control experts, the best way to reduce their growth is to avoid the accumulation of water near the foundation of the home. It is recommended that you should always store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home. On the other hand, it is important to note that the homeowners should reduce the amount of humidity in the indoors with the help of proper materials that are advised to be suitable.
How to identify the Subterranean Termites?
The Subterranean termites usually have a body color that ranges from creamy white to dark black or brown. This type of species has six legs, and they also possess antennae. The size of these species usually ranges from 0.5 inches to 0.8 inches and they are mostly found in the damp spots near your home. It is widely observed that they are usually observed across the boundary of the United States. On the other side, they have a shape that is narrow, long and oval.
Some exciting habits of the subterranean termites
It is one of those species of termites that have the ability to build mud tunnels also known as mud tubes. These mud tubes can serve as the purpose of protecting this termite species from the open air. Apart from that, these mud walls also serve the role of transportation of food materials. Hence, it is evident that these mud walls serve a multiple purpose. They have scissor-like jaws with the help of which they can gnaw on wood. It is also observed commonly that the subterranean termites feed on materials that contain cellulose.
The type of threat that these termite species pose to human beings is huge. It is a widely accepted fact that this species of termite is one of the most destructive species of termites. They have jaws that are dangerous and best resemble like that of scissors. Therefore, with the help of these jaws, they are able to shred wood into tiny fragments. If they are not treated on time, they have the ability to collapse a mighty building. Hence, if you experience that there is a termite infestation and that infestation is caused by the subterranean termites, always endeavor to call the pest control. Moreover, you should also follow some safety tips like not burying wooden strips and wasted woods in your yard.
Drywood Termite
3. Drywood termite
As the name suggests, these dry wood termites usually infest on varieties of wood without moisture. It is one of those species of termites who do not need to come in contact with the soil. These species of termite often establish their nests on wooden materials and wooden wall supports. They are also quite adept in infesting on dead wooden materials. These species are believed to be in existence for quite large number of years, and they can also infest on damp wood if the need arises. For instance, they can also be found near leaky pipes and drains and are regarded as being the most dangerous. If you want to restrain the growth of the dry wood termites, you have to follow some precautions. For instance, always take care of storing firewood at least 25 feet away from home. Preventing their growth can be by sealing all the cracks and crevices that are located near the foundation of your home.
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How to identify a drywood termite?
If you want to save your home from these termites, then you have to know specific facts about these species of termites. For instance, the color of these termites ranges from light brown to creamy white. On the other hand, they can grow up to 1 inch and have got six legs. They also have an antenna, and the shape of these species is narrow, long and oval. These types of species are mainly found in Texas and South Carolina. However, they are also found in abundance in various parts of the world including Asia and Africa.
The habits of these species of termites that one should be aware of One important fact to remember is that the colony of these species of termites can contain up to more than 2500 members. When compared to the subterranean termites, these species of termites do not have a caste system. Interestingly, a majority of work is done by the underdeveloped workers. In this regard, it is important to note that this type of termite species are usually very active on sunny days and also when there is a sudden rise in the temperature levels.
The threats posed by Drywood Termite
It is important to note that this species of termites can easily gnaw through wooden materials. This is the one of the reasons why they are quite dangerous to the homeowners. Also because their house would be at a more significant amount of risk. Hence, as a homeowner, if you do not control these pests on time, you would be at a higher risk of searching for expensive repairs in your home. These types of termites are usually found in materials that are made up of dry wood. Moreover, you should be aware of them as these species can easily be transported from one place to another through the help of a broken furniture.
How can you prevent the growth of Drywood Termite?
These types of termites can be avoided if you keep drywood and firewood away from your home. Besides that, always be prepared to schedule appointments with companies that are expert in termite control.
Conehead Termite
4. Conehead termites
This species of termites are native to the Caribbean Islands. Interestingly, their fast arrival in the United States dates back to 2001. You should also be well aware of the fact that these species of termites are also known as tree termites. However, the experts named them as Conehead termites to erase wrong theories that they are only found in trees. These termites are known as the most dangerous species of termites because unlike other termite species; they have the ability to spread through the ground. Moreover, they can cause severe damage to the property of the homeowners. If not controlled on time, they can also severely damage great amount of state property and render it worthless in a short period.
How can you identify these Conehead termites?
You can quickly identify the Conehead termites based on their color and type of body. For instance, the color of these species of termites as it usually ranges from dark brown to white. Moreover, in most of the cases, they are found with brown heads. These species of termites usually have six legs, and they also have antennae. The shape of their body is long and narrow, and moreover, the soldiers have a pear-shaped head.
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Some habits of the Conehead termites
It is interesting to note that unlike other species of termites, this termite species do not rely on underground tunnels. Instead, they move above the ground and have the ability to multiply quickly which is a serious concern for human beings. They also build mud tubes or channels with the help of which they can easily transport food and other materials.
The threats posed by the Conehead termites
As they are not possess the ability to move on the ground like other termites, they have the ability to multiply quickly. This is the reason that they can cause severe damage to the property. Hence, it is time to make some further destroyer because they of these termites. This is because further research would shed light on the methods to prevent them. As these types of termite species are quite dangerous, you need to take proper precautionary measures for them.
Dampwood Termite
5. The dampwood termites
As the name indicates, this creature of termites is the ones that have the ability to infest on moist wooden structure. These species also have the ability to drill holes in the wooden structure. Quite interestingly, when compared to the other termite species, these termites have a larger size. As they infest mainly on areas that have high moisture content, they are mainly found on various coastal areas. Interestingly, they are also found in desert areas. Hence, it is completely wrong if you think that they are only ideal to be found on desert and semi-arid areas. Interestingly, this type of termites can be quite easily controlled. This is because they do not multiply quivo and this is the reason why there is always a chance to restrain their growth.
How can you identify the dampwood termites?
If you want to save your house from the invasion of termites, then you should be well aware of the necessary fact to identify them. For instance, the color of this species of termites usually ranges from brownish to creamy white. Moreover, this termite species usually have 6 legs. They also have an antennae and the shape of their body is narrow. In many areas of the world, they are also seen in a body shape that best resembles a narrow and oval shape. Always remember that they are also found in Pacific and other coastal areas.
The habitat of dampwood termites
It is important to note that the dampwood termites are usually found in stumps and logs. They can also be found in great numbers in various types of fences. They are also quite many in poles that are made of wood.
One should be aware of the habits of this termite species It is important to note that unlike the drywood termites, the dampwood termites also does not possess a separate caste system in place. The workers of this colony of termites are responsible for feed the king and queen. They also feed the soldiers to enable them invade other areas. These species of termites have the ability to create a great number of chambers in the wood. These chambers are usually interconnected as if they are sandpapered.
The threats posed by the dampwood termites
It is important to note that this species of termites are not attracted usually by the dry wooden structures. However, that should not noticed that mean that fewer measures should be taken when countering them. As a concerned homeowner, endeavor to always eliminate the dampness from the wooden materials. So, by keeping the different kinds of termite species in mind, you would be at the freedom to save the foundation of your home.
By looking basically at the above-mentioned information, it has been made clear that if termites are not controlled on time, then serious problems will be faced. Which is one of the reasons why as a concerned homeowner, you should always keep yourself updated about the various types of termites that can invade your home.
