Are There Different Species of Termites?
In the U.S., there are three primary types of termites and a total of 45 different species that are divided among each type. The three primary types of termites include subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites. The different types of termites have their own unique biology, which affects the areas of the U.S. in which they live and the damage that they cause.
Subterranean Termites
A member of the family Rhinotermitidae, subterranean termites live under the ground. These insects build the biggest nests out of any other type of insect in the U.S. Subterranean termites build mud tubes that connect from their nests to their sources of food, including the timbers of your home. These termites live in all U.S. states except Alaska. Subterranean termites cause the most damage to homes in the U.S. In Arizona, arid-land subterranean and desert subterranean termite species may both be found.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites live inside of wood, including structural timbers, hardwood floors and dead trees. A member of the family Kalotermitidae, drywood termites can cause substantial damage to homes. However, since their nests are smaller than those of subterranean termites, the damage that they cause may take longer periods of time. Drywood termite species that are found in Arizona include the desert drywood termites and the western drywood termites.
Dampwood Termites
Dampwood termites build their nests inside of wood that contains a lot of moisture. These termites belong to the families Hodotermitidae and Kalotermitidae. Since the wood that is used in homes and buildings typically does not contain much moisture, these types of termites are seldom found inside of these properties. In Arizona, desert dampwood termites can be found.
Desert Termites
Another type of termite species that is found in Arizona is desert termites. These termites feed on living and dead plant material and seldom cause damage to homes and other structures. They live in the soil and build mud tubes on the ground to help to prevent their bodies from drying out. These termites can be beneficial to crop and plant growth because they help to increase the porosity of the ground so that more water can penetrate.
If you see insects that you think might be termites in your home or yard, it is important for you to get professional help. Contact Termagon Termite & Pest Control and let our pest control experts help identify your pests and eradicate them from your property.
We proudly serve Marana, AZ, and many other surrounding locations, so be sure to check out our service area to see if we can make it out to you!