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Termite Types
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Summary:
Different termites do different types of damage and
require very different types of treatment. Subterranean
termites ("subs") and drywood
termites ("drywoods") are the most common types
found in the US. But, drywood termites are only found in
warm, semi-tropical climates.
Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)
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Termite
types - "subs" vs. "drywoods"
In the US there are really only two types of
termites that homeowners need to be concerned
about, namely subterranean termites and drywood
termites.
Subterranean
termites - These are the most common
structure-infesting termites in the US. They
nest in the soil and extend colonies into
structures by way of so-called shelter tubes.
Soil-injected insecticides and specialized baits
are the standard treatments for "subs". See this
article subterranean
termites for additional information and
pictures, and control
options below.
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**subterranean
termite**
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Drywood termites
- These termites do
not nest in the soil but instead build their
colonies entirely within the structure, there is no
contact with the soil. Drywoods only occur in very warm,
semi-topical climates so are restricted to only certain
areas in the US (see map
here), inside the red areas on the map. Drywoods
are more difficult to control since their colonies are
hidden within the framework of the building. See this
article drywood termites
for addition information and pictures, and control
options below.
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Control
options
It is usually not practical for homeowners to
treat the soil for subterranean
termites. Exterminators have special
equipment and expertise needed for this
application. However, you can do termite
baiting yourself and this is often enough
to protect a structure from "subs".
Drywoods,
on the other hand, are very difficult for the
average do-it-yourself weekend warrior. If you
have drywood colonies exposed, for example,
during construction you can treat them directly
with insecticide foams but more
often the extent of the infestation is hidden
inside walls.
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