Types of Termites
Quick Facts About Termites
Termites are destructive pests that target the wood in Tennessee homes and businesses. Unlike other household pests that can be deterred with cleaning and proper food storage, termites view your property itself as both food and shelter. There are two main species to watch for in Tennessee: drywood termites and dampwood termites.- Size: 12-25 millimeters (varies by species)
- Color: Pale brown to brownish-yellow
- Shape: Long, oval-bodied with large mandibles
- Active Season: Year-round in Tennessee
- Lifespan: Several years for a colony
- Reproduction Rate: Colonies can contain thousands of termites, with queens laying eggs continuously
What Do Termites Look Like?
Both drywood and dampwood termites have distinct characteristics based on their role in the colony. Workers make up the majority of the population and do most of the damage to your property. Soldiers have notably larger, darker heads and powerful mandibles. Swarmers are distinguished by their wings, which they use to establish new colonies.
Key Identifying Features
- Drywood Termites: Measure about 12 millimeters long with pale brown to tan colored bodies. Workers have large jaws for tunneling through dry wood.
- Dampwood Termites: Larger species, measuring 20-25 millimeters in length with brownish-yellow bodies. They are actually the largest termites found in North America.
- Soldier Termites: Both species have soldier termites with significantly larger, dark brown heads compared to workers.
- Swarmer Termites: Equipped with wings for colony expansion, these termites are larger than workers and are often the first visible sign of an infestation.
Health & Property Risks
Health Concerns
- While termites don’t directly threaten human health, their damage can create unsafe living conditions
- Weakened structural supports can lead to dangerous collapses
- Moisture accumulation from dampwood termite activity can promote harmful fungal growth
Property Damage
- Extensive tunneling through wooden structures compromises structural integrity
- Cosmetic damage to visible wooden surfaces
- Weakened support beams and floor joists
- Damaged hardwood flooring and furniture
- Compromised siding and trim
Where to Look for Termites in Your Home
Drywood termites can infest wood anywhere in your home, including attics, walls, flooring, and furniture. Dampwood termites typically concentrate near ground level around drain pipes, leaking roofs, and areas with water damage.
Watch for these signs of infestation:
- Discarded swarmer wings
- Mud tubes on foundations
- Blistered or hollow-sounding wood
- Paint buckling due to tunneling
When to Call Professional Help
Don’t wait to see visible damage before taking action. Termites work silently and continuously, often causing significant structural damage before detection. Professional intervention is crucial at the first sign of:
- Swarming termites or discarded wings
- Mud tubes on exterior walls
- Hollow-sounding or damaged wood
- Any visible termites
Remember: DIY solutions provide only temporary relief and may miss hidden colonies. Only professional treatment can provide comprehensive protection.
Schedule a Free Inspection
Don’t leave your home vulnerable waiting for standard termite protection to kick in.U.S. Pest Protection’s comprehensive liquid barrier seals your home’s vulnerable areas instantly, providing immediate, guaranteed protection against termite damage.
Schedule your free inspection today and get instant protection for your home or business.
