Termites
Termites are a very valuable resource for breaking down the world’s supply of decomposing wood and forest debris, but can be extremely destructive to man-made structures, costing home owners billions of dollars each year. Technically now classified as an insect belonging to the cockroach family, termites are the only insect species that exhibit incomplete metamorphosis (unlike bees) and yet still live in a social community. There are many different species that could bedevil a home owner and, unlike ants, which can be exterminated by killing the queen, a termite colony can have many different queens and therefore the entire colony must be eradicated to insure the infestation is completely gone. The key to termite control is prevention.
Dampwood Termites as a whole don’t requite soil to set up their colonies and therefore nest directly in the wood of a structure.
Pacific Dampwood Termites are the most significant and prolific dampwood termite species in the US.
Nevada Dampwood Termites are mostly forest dwelling pests, the damage inflicted by these termites is often mistaken for the work of the Pacific Dampwood Termite.
Subterranean Termites are, like the name suggests, a type of termite that usually builds their colonies underground and then forage abroad for their food.
Arid-land Subterranean Termites are by far the most common termite in dry climates, these termites are wide-spread across the areas of the US beyond the Mississippi River.
Desert Subterranean Termites are the most common termite in Arizona, this termite had a much more restricted habitat than the Arid-land Subterranean Termite.
Eastern Subterranean Termites are one of two species of the most destructive termites facing homeowners, this termite is wide-spread in all Eastern states with habitat reaching all the way to Texas.
Western Subterranean Termites are most prevalent in the Western region of the US, this termite is in plague proportions in some areas of the Western US.
Formosan Termites are originally native to China, this invasive species of termite has become established in South Africa, Hawaii and the Continental US.
Drywood Termites are characterized by small and slowly developing colonies, occurring in areas of the US that do not usually experience freezing temperature in the winter.
Tropical Tough-Headed Drywood Termites typically have small colonies and are not usually considered as destructive as other species because of that, but do not require soil contact to flourish.