Termites are a common household pest that can cause significant damage to wooden structures if left unchecked. In the US, there are three primary types of termites that can infest homes and wreak havoc. These include Subterranean termites, Formosan termites, and Drywood termites.

Types of Termites

Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are highly destructive pests that can cause significant damage to homes and structures. They live in underground colonies, which can house thousands or even millions of individual termites. These termites are highly organized and work together to forage for food, which primarily consists of cellulose-rich material such as wood.

How to Identify Subterranean Termites:
Light brown or yellowish in color
Long, cylindrical bodies
Create mud tubes from the ground and leave behind sawdust and fecal pellets (frass)
Subterranean termites are one of the most destructive types of termites and can cause severe damage to structures if left untreated. Identifying them is important for homeowners so they can take action to prevent and eliminate these pests.

Formosan Termites
Unlike subterranean termites, Formosan termites are a species of drywood termites, meaning they do not require contact with soil to survive. This allows them to infest and damage wooden structures above ground level, such as window frames, crawl spaces, and even structural wood.

How to Identify Formosan Termites:
Pale yellow to brownish color
Oval-shaped bodies
Typically smaller than their subterranean cousins
Like subterranean termites, they construct mud tubes and leave behind frass
Formosan termites are an invasive and destructive species of termite that is found in warmer climates. These termites can cause extensive damage to buildings and wooden structures, making them a major pest problem in many areas.

Drywood Termites
When it comes to termite infestations, drywood termites are a common concern for homeowners. Unlike their subterranean counterparts, these termites do not require contact with soil to survive. Instead, they infest dry wood structures found in homes and buildings.

How to Identify Drywood Termites:
Smaller than subterranean termites, only measuring about 1/4 to 3/8 of an inch in length
Long, narrow bodies
Typically pale or light brown in color
Equal-sized wings that are longer than their bodies
Drywood termites have a voracious appetite for healthy wood and can silently eat away at the inside of wooden structures, causing significant damage. If left unchecked, their destructive capabilities can quickly escalate, resulting in costly repairs or potentially rendering a home uninhabitable.