Termites are known as “silent destroyers” because these pests feed on wood, flooring, and wallpapers unnoticed. There are about 2,000 known termite species in the world, and about 50 species found in North America. Every year, the country spends $5 billion on termite damage.
Where Do Termites Live In House
There are three main types of termites, drywood, subterranean, and dampwood, and these specific termite species thrive in different habitats. Each of the environments they live in meets their food and shelter needs. Unfortunately, where do termites live is where they can find a sustainable nest location, which is inside the house.
Many factors contribute to the possibility of in-house termite infestations, including the high moisture and humidity levels, wood structures, and protection elements that prevent insects from coming inside homes. As homeowners, you should look out for conditions and indications of termite activity. By knowing where to see a possible location, you can avoid costly structural damage and repairs.
Drywood Termite Habitats
Drywood termites live in any dry wood area. Termites usually find shelter in buildings such as homes. They travel from furniture to another and also thrive in dry firewood. They can also be found in trees and home exteriors where there are cracks and voids.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites thrive in moisture-damaged wood and damp soil to live. Areas that attract termites are leaking faucets and gutters and humidity in kitchens and basements.
Subterranean Termite Habitats
Subterranean termites need damp soil to build their colony. Subspecies called Formosan use mud to make tunnels leading to the food sources from their nests. Subterranean termites live in the yards and houses with plenty of soil, moisture, and wood. They also thrive on old tree stumps and fallen branches.
If homeowners discover presence of dampwood termites, drywood, or subterranean termite activity in their homes, they should contact pest control specialists. They are experts in terminating all kinds of termites while preventing additional destruction to the structures.
Evidence of Termites
Termites can live inside your home or property without being detected. Whether it is drywood termites or subterranean termites, these intruders can be difficult to notice before colossal damage has already been done. Look for these signs of termites:
Discarded Wings
Termite swarms may occur inside or outside of your home or property as mature termites leave their nest to create new colonies. They shed their wings after they take flight.
Termite Swarmers
Termite swarms happen one or two times per year in spring or fall. It is the time where swarmers of mature colonies leave their nests.
Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build mud tubes that serve as bridges between the colony and the food source, such as solid and wood.
Termite Droppings
Termites leave frass or droppings after they consume wood or paper. These droppings are tiny fecal mounds that indicate a termite infestation.
Drywood Termite
Drywood termites live in warm, southern climates. Their nests are within the wood they feed on. They create tunnels and chambers within walls and furniture, also leaving droppings that look like pellets. They can cause sagging floors, ceilings, walls and areas that may look damaged by water.
Subterranean Termite
Subterraneans are found throughout the United States, both North America and South America. Their colonies are built under the ground, and termite workers enter homes through unsealed foundations and cracks, also through tunnels or mud tubes, constructed from mud, their saliva, and feces.
What Attracts Termites?
All termites have specific preferences where they are attracted to. Based on their names, dampwood, like moist woods and drywood are into dry woods. Improper drainage, poor airflow, and leaky pipes create moisture issues that can attract termites. Dampwood termites and subterraneans like humid areas. Subterraneans in particular like moist soil and infest any wood as long as they contact the ground.
Aside from the wood inside the house, this pest is attracted to moisture. They are also drawn to woods in contact with the house foundation, cracks, and building exteriors. Different combinations of these factors attract termites to come inside the home.
At the same time, geographic location also influences how homeowners deal with pest infestations. Those living in warm climates and consistent humidity are likely to experience termite activity.
Do Termites Live Everywhere
Termites are also sometimes called “white ants” because they are small, light in color, and also live in colonies. They are found almost everywhere, except Antarctica, which is most living in tropical and subtropical regions. They live under the ground and above the ground, mostly in dry wood in arid environments, and may infest on wood roofs and wall supports.
Conclusion
As a homeowner, you should be vigilant and look for conditions around their houses if they are inviting termites. You should check if there are high levels of moisture and try to reduce humidity in the home. Treat and cover any exposed wood in contact with soil to prevent encounters. Suppose you have found signs of termite activity or insects like bed bugs and ants. Contact the pest control experts to treat termite damage efficiently and prevent further destruction as the DIY method is not effective on large populations.
