Pest Identification: Types of Termites in Tennessee

There are more than 2,000 species of termites across the globe, but only 45 are found in the United States. Of those 45 species, they are categorized into three categories: dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites. All of these termite types can be extremely damaging when in big groups, as they are infamously known to chew through wood and flooring and cause thousands of dollars in property damage throughout Tennessee. 

Dampwood Termites

Dampwood termites are primarily found along the Pacific Coast and adjacent states but can also be identified as far south as Florida. These termites are named after their preference to create their nests in damp wood, such as logs, stumps, and dead trees. They typically prefer damp and decaying wood over others but have also been recorded devouring fences and utility poles, as well. Dampwood termites are unlikely to invade your property, as they require an open water source to live. 

Drywood Termites

Unlike dampwood Termites in the United States, drywood termites range across a variety of specific types including southeastern, west Indian, western, and desert drywood termites. Drywood termites typically infest furniture, lending them the nickname of furniture termites. 

Although drywood termite colonies are usually much smaller than the colonies of other types of termites, they are still able to cause significant damage to your home. 

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are a unique type of termite. They are extremely common and are the most widespread termite in the United States. Unlike dampwood and drywood termites, subterranean termites typically eat softer woods such as pine and cedar. Because they require a high amount of moisture, they travel between the colony using mud tubes to find food sources. 

Subterranean termites also include the formosan termite, which is often referred to as the “super termite.” Because of the expansive size of their colonies, formosan termites can decompose wood at a rapid rate. With their rapid capacity to consume and destroy wood, a formosan colony can easily create problems with a home’s structure in as little as six months. Formosan termites have been known to infest completely healthy, living shrubs and trees, as well, which can create even more headaches for homeowners as their landscaping is devoured by a colony.

Don’t Let Termites Take Over Your Tennessee Home

Termite infestations can be a scary thing, but they don’t have to be! Our technicians at U.S. Pest Protection are trained to identify and control termites with ease. Contact us to start with your free pest inspection today!