Here are some questions that property owners often ask about termites. Do you know the answers to these questions?
Q: How many types of termites are there? A: Over 2600 species have been identified by experts. Of those only 55 live in the U.S. Homeowners only have to worry about 2 types: subterranean termites and drywood termites.
Q: How are subterranean and drywood termites different? A: Termites live in colonies because they are social insects. One difference between subterranean termites and drywood termites is where the colony is located. Subterranean termites need the moisture in the earth to survive, so they live in underground nests. They tunnel to into nearby homes to feed. Drywood termites, however, don't need the moisture in the earth to survive, so they nest inside the structures they're feeding on.
Q: How would I know if termites have invaded my home? And how do I tell the difference between the different types? You may detect subterranean termites when they swarm in the spring. At that time the colony splits to begin other colonies. Mud tubes on the foundation or walls is a sign of subterranean termites. All termites leave wood that may look broken, blistered or weak. Discarded wings or piles of "sawdust" may indicate that drywood termites were present in the past or are currently present.
Q: Is my home free of termites when none of these signs are present? A: No, because termites do their damage on the inside of the wood, which makes them very hard to detect.
Q: What's the difference between flying ants and swarming termites? A: If you can catch one, look at them up close. You'll notice that termites have straight antennae, where ant antennae are bent. Another difference is that ants have a narrow waist and termites have a thick waist.
Q: Aren't termites generally found in older buildings? A: The only preference termites have is for wood. They don't care where it is. They've even been found in recently completed new construction. Termites have no preference for older buildings.
Q: How widespread are termites in the U.S.? A: Subterranean termites are common in the southern two-thirds of the U.S., but inhabit the lower 48 states plus Hawaii. Drywood termites are limited to the California coast, the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the desert southwest. There are more termites in Florida than in most other states. - 30446
Q: How many types of termites are there? A: Over 2600 species have been identified by experts. Of those only 55 live in the U.S. Homeowners only have to worry about 2 types: subterranean termites and drywood termites.
Q: How are subterranean and drywood termites different? A: Termites live in colonies because they are social insects. One difference between subterranean termites and drywood termites is where the colony is located. Subterranean termites need the moisture in the earth to survive, so they live in underground nests. They tunnel to into nearby homes to feed. Drywood termites, however, don't need the moisture in the earth to survive, so they nest inside the structures they're feeding on.
Q: How would I know if termites have invaded my home? And how do I tell the difference between the different types? You may detect subterranean termites when they swarm in the spring. At that time the colony splits to begin other colonies. Mud tubes on the foundation or walls is a sign of subterranean termites. All termites leave wood that may look broken, blistered or weak. Discarded wings or piles of "sawdust" may indicate that drywood termites were present in the past or are currently present.
Q: Is my home free of termites when none of these signs are present? A: No, because termites do their damage on the inside of the wood, which makes them very hard to detect.
Q: What's the difference between flying ants and swarming termites? A: If you can catch one, look at them up close. You'll notice that termites have straight antennae, where ant antennae are bent. Another difference is that ants have a narrow waist and termites have a thick waist.
Q: Aren't termites generally found in older buildings? A: The only preference termites have is for wood. They don't care where it is. They've even been found in recently completed new construction. Termites have no preference for older buildings.
Q: How widespread are termites in the U.S.? A: Subterranean termites are common in the southern two-thirds of the U.S., but inhabit the lower 48 states plus Hawaii. Drywood termites are limited to the California coast, the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the desert southwest. There are more termites in Florida than in most other states. - 30446
About the Author:
Why pay for termite damage? Florida Bug Inspectors, a leading Tampa termite control company, can provide thorough termite inspections and a complete prevention plan for far less than the cost of termite damage. http://www.inspection-termite.com
