The word “termite” tends to strike fear into the hearts of homeowners everywhere, but not all termites are harmful. In fact, they help decaying wood to break down and return to the soil. In North America, there are three basic varieties of termites that are considered pests. These are broad categories, with hundreds of species within each category.
First, there are drywood termites. These types tend to get up into your attic and eat away at your rafters. They are called drywood because they do not require moisture and unlike most other termites, prefer to make their homes above ground. Their colonies number in the thousands and are difficult to detect because they leave no exterior evidence until the house starts to crumble around you. That is why you need professional termite control services, to prevent an infestation before it can happen, or to find it quickly if it does.
Formosan termites are called “super termites” because they can eat almost anything, including metal. They like to live near the ground and can get into your foundation and absolutely destroy it in a matter of months. Keep damp wood away from your house to prevent attracting them.
Subterranean termites live under ground. Their colonies are vast—millions of members in huge complexes. They’re attracted to moisture and can get into your basement, your lower walls and your foundation. If you notice mud tunnels around the exterior of your house, that’s a sure sign of trouble.
The best thing you can do is to learn as much as possible about the different kinds of termites and their treatments. Be on the lookout for the signs of an infestation and call in professionals any time you think you might have termites. They are very difficult to eradicate without the correct chemicals and knowhow.