What type of termites do i have

Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite throughout the nation and are infamous for causing extensive structural damage in thousands of homes each year.

This type of termite, including Western and Eastern types, nests in the ground and constructs tunnels of mud tubes that allow them to travel within a home. Although they are fervent feeders, they tend to be picky and prefer to chew on soft wood found between the wood grains.

Subterranean swarmers are often mistaken for flying ants but have four distinct wings that make them stand out. Rated 4. View Our Reviews Contact Us. Call Now for Quick Service! What are the Types of Termites? Even though there are so many different species, they all fall into one of these main types: Drywood termites Dampwood termites Subterranean termites Habits of Dampwood Termites Just as their name suggests, dampwood termites are attracted to wood that has a high moisture content.

They also build mud tubes like the Formosan termites, and their diets consist of wood and other cellulose material — including carpets. When warm temperatures and heavy rainfall occur, these guys send out a swarm of winged termites that include males and females. A common mistake many homeowners make is misidentifying a flying ant as a subterranean termite and vice versa.

A good way to be sure to tell the difference is to check the wings. Flying ants have two large wings in front and two smaller wings behind, but termites have four wings that are all the same size, resembling fish scales.

These soldiers make up about 20 percent to 30 percent of the entire Conehead colony, whereas soldiers in Subterranean and Drywood colonies only make up about 2 percent. These particular termites are most commonly found in the Caribbean and Central American tropical countries, such as Panama, however, since , they have also been found in the most southern part of Florida.

Carefully pick one up and look at under a magnifying glass. Look for the most common sign - the color. Subterranean termite swarmers are solid black, drywood swarmers are solid red, while carpenter ants are usually red and black or dark brown. The other big difference is in the body. Termites all have a long body with no small segments attached.

Ants always have a thin neck and a thin waist. Check out the chart below to help determine the difference. If you think you have carpenter ants, then don't go any further, because carpenter ants require a totally different treatment than termites.

Click here for more info on Carpenter Ants. Dampwood Termites belong to the families family Kalotermitidae and Hodotermitidae and live in wood with high moisture content. Most dampwood termites do not require contact with the soil. Dampwood termites are rarely found in homes or other man-made structures, since wood in these structures typically does not have enough moisture. Desert Dampwood. Florida Dampwood.

Nevada Dampwood. Pacific Dampwood. Conehead Termites. Desert Termites. Could these be a type of termite, and if so, what is the best way to kill them? I have just been notified by a tenant that an interior drywall has developed holes and tunnels. Could this be termites, and, if so, what type of termite is most likely?