Termite Facts – Types And How To Identify Them
Although small, the termites can cause major structural damages inside our homes. The termites are small inspects, and can be found almost in every house. If not eliminated on time, termites can damage and ruin the foundation of the house very quickly. The results will be catastrophic, since major and costly repairs will need to be preformed. Therefore, a professional and regular pest inspection is highly recommended.
To get rid of them, first you need to identify the type of termites that attack your house. In general, there are two types of termites that can damage the foundation of your home: dampwood and subterranean termites. These insects can be further divided into different classes, but the most common are the winged termites. This reproductive class of termites is easy to recognizable because of their wings, specific legs and body shape. Let’s learn more about the two major termites types and find out how to identify them.
Subterranean Termites – The subterranean termites are the most common termites. Their reproduction varies greatly from egg stage to adult, depending on individual species. These termites live in colonies underground and build tunnels when looking for food (woods and other cellulose materials). A typical pest inspection report can identify three types of subterranean termites :
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Alates (swarmers) – Dark-brown colored, up to 1.3 cm long with two pairs of long wings;
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Soldiers – Creamy-white colored and brown head, large jaws and no wings;
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Workers – Cream colored, about a half cm long and without wings;
The pest inspection professionals have the skills and use proper equipment to identify these termites below the ground. When identified, the pest inspection professionals use special techniques to eliminate them.
Dampwood Termites – Compared to the subterranean termites, these termites are much bigger and can cause more serious damages. The soldiers are usually 20mm long, while the winged termites are up to 25 mm long. The dampwood termites are attracted to damp or decaying wood above the ground level and they do not always nest in soil. The pest inspection professionals call them “economic” pest types, since they cause damages to already decayed wood. Once they find a nice piece of damp wood, these termites create a chamber and start producing eggs. Your best choice is to hire a professional termite and pest inspection team to identify and eliminate them.
