Subterranean and drywood termites are by far the most destructive insects around. Termite damage – estimated at $2 billion a year, nationwide – is not covered by most homeowners’ policies, making eradication and repairs costly out-of-pocket expenses. The insects feed on cellulose materials such as structural wood, wood fixtures, paper, books and artwork. Occasionally they’ll even attack the roots of shrubs and trees.
Subterranean termites live underground in colonies that can reach up to 5 million workers. The average colony numbers around 300,000, but there is likely more than one colony working on a single structure.
Drywood termites create colonies in wood and require little moisture. They cause serious structural damage and are often are discovered only after significant damage has taken place. Drywood termite colonies are smaller than subterranean colonies, with only about 3,000 residents.
Things to know:
Visual identification: Subterranean termite workers are about ¼” in length and are light colored. Some have very short, but not functional, wings. Drywood termites workers are larger than subterranean (up to ½” long). Soldier insects have an elongated, brownish head.
Visual evidence: Termites are often detected only after they’ve caused serious damage. Look for swarming winged insects inside or outside of your home, piles of sawdust or clear wings on windowsills and floors. Tiny pinholes in wood and crumbling drywall are good indicators of termite damage, as are sagging doors and bubbling paint.
Access: Termites are attracted to – and rely on – water for survival. They can access your home through moisture-rich areas, typically around leaking pipes and roofs, or through cracks in the slab. Termites build below- or above-ground tubes about the size of a pencil, made from debris and other organic materials, to access food.
Damage: Drywood termites feed inside wood, cutting connected tunnels within the grain. Subterranean termites cause the most damage. They can reach food by tunneling across cement, over wood, and under stucco, entering structures quickly and easily.
