Over 600,000 homes in the United States get infested with termites yearly. This makes subterranean termites a big worry for people who own homes. Knowing the different kinds of these bugs is key to stopping and managing them. We’ll look into the common subterranean termite types in the US, what makes them different, and how to spot them.
Subterranean termites are the worst for buildings in the US. They cause more than $5 billion in damages each year. There are about 2,750 types of termites around the world. Knowing which one you’re dealing with is important for stopping them.
In the US, the most usual subterranean type is the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes), the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Coptotermes formosanus), and the Southwestern Drywood Termite (Incisitermes minor). They each have different looks, ways of living, and signs of trouble. Recognizing them is the first step to effectively getting rid of them.
Introduction to Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites cause big trouble in the U.S., especially where it’s warm and damp. These wood-destroying pests live underground. They build complex tunnels to get to cellulose-rich materials. This includes the wooden parts of our homes and buildings. Knowing the type of subterranean termite is key. Each type is different in how they act and how to deal with them.
It’s important to identify termites the right way. This helps homeowners and pros make plans to stop and deal with them. It saves a lot of trouble, money, and keeps our structures safe. Even though they’re seen as pests, termites are important in nature.
Importance of Termite Identification
Getting subterranean termite identification right is very important:
- Different termite types need special management strategies.
- Knowing them helps stop infestations, saving homes and costs.
- It lets us make plans that are targeted and effective.
Ecological Role of Termites
Termites are seen as bothers, but they have a big job in nature. They help turn dead wood into soil nutrients. This returns organic matter to the earth, helping new plants grow.
However, when they get in our structures, their eating can be very harmful. It’s a reminder that termites are both important for nature and a problem for us. So, it’s vital to know them and how to deal with them.
List of Subterranean Termite Names
Amitermes
- Amitermes amifer
- Amitermes dentatus
- Amitermes emersoni
Anacanthotermes
- Anacanthotermes ahngerianus
- Anacanthotermes vagans
Coptotermes
- Coptotermes acinaciformis
- Coptotermes curvignathus
- Coptotermes formosanus
- Coptotermes gestroi
Heterotermes
- Heterotermes aureus
- Heterotermes indicola
- Heterotermes tenuis
Macrotermes
- Macrotermes bellicosus
- Macrotermes carbonarius
- Macrotermes gilvus
Microtermes
- Microtermes obesi
- Microtermes pakistanicus
Odontotermes
- Odontotermes formosanus
- Odontotermes javanicus
Paraneotermes
- Paraneotermes simplicicornis
Reticulitermes
- Reticulitermes flavipes
- Reticulitermes grassei
- Reticulitermes hesperus
- Reticulitermes lucifugus
- Reticulitermes santonensis
- Reticulitermes speratus
Schedorhinotermes
- Schedorhinotermes intermedius
- Schedorhinotermes malaccensis
Trinervitermes
- Trinervitermes biformis
- Trinervitermes geminatus
Zootermopsis
- Zootermopsis angusticollis
- Zootermopsis nevadensis
- Zootermopsis laticeps
Eastern Subterranean Termites (Reticulitermes flavipes)
The Eastern Subterranean Termite is common in North America. It’s especially widespread in the eastern U.S. They have special features and a complex life cycle. They live in both natural areas and buildings.
Description and Identification
These termites have creamy-white workers, yellow-brown soldiers, and dark winged swarmers. Workers are about 3 mm long. Soldiers are bigger with a yellow head and black mandibles. Alates, or winged termites, are the largest. They are 8.5-10 mm and have compound eyes.
Life Cycle and Habits
These termites have a complex life cycle. They live in groups called castes. This includes workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Workers gather food and build tunnels. Soldiers protect the group with large jaws. In spring, the winged reproductives fly out to create new colonies.
Their colonies can have from 20,000 to 5 million termites. A queen can lay 10,000 eggs a year. They infest various food sources. Their tunnels can reach up to 150 feet long.
Signs of Infestation
Finding termite infestations early is key. These termites are hard to find because they’re often unseen. Look for mud tubes on walls or structural parts. Seeing winged termites, or swarmers, is also a sign. They leave behind their wings. Termites can make wood feel hollow or look like a honeycomb. Treating infestations early is crucial to avoid serious damage.
Formosan Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes formosanus)
The Formosan Subterranean Termite is a big problem in the south of the U.S. Known as the “super termite,” they eat wood fast. They live in big groups and can be very harmful to structures.
It’s important to know how to spot these termites. They are bigger and have soldiers that are yellowish-brown. These soldiers have small teeth. They also build nests inside walls that keep moisture.
Originally from Asia, these termites have spread across the southern U.S. They can be found in many states. In Florida, for example, they are in most big cities. They cause a lot of financial damage, like $300 million in New Orleans every year.
In Hawaii, they are a big problem, too. Their population grows fast in states like Mississippi and Texas. In Florida, damages can cost about $10,000 for each home. Sometimes, homes need to be torn down and rebuilt because of them.
| Key Facts about Formosan Subterranean Termites |
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In summary, the Formosan Subterranean Termite is a big threat in the southern U.S. Learning to spot them and prevent their damage is key. They can cause a lot of harm to homes and other buildings.
Conclusion
Subterranean termites cause big problems for houses and buildings in the U.S. every year. It leads to billions in damages. Knowing about the different types of these termites is key. This helps in preventing and controlling them.
By learning about the Eastern and Formosan Subterranean Termites, we can do better. Homeowners and pest control experts should be able to find and deal with termites early. This is before their damage gets too big.
Spotting them early and treating them on time is very important. This is how we can keep our homes safe. With what you’ve learned here, you and professionals can take steps together. This is to lower the risk of damage and keep our homes strong. By being alert and using good control methods, we can fight off these termites.
