subject: Good To Know The Different Types Of Termites [print this page] Good To Know The Different Types Of Termites
It is normally said that there are 4200 types of termites, of which only 10% are said to be the cause destruction. These 10% of termites are mainly divided in 3 primary categories. Some interesting facts about these bugs are that a colony of termites eats 24hours a day, 7 days a week. A single colony can easily eat upto 10 pounds of wood every week and these bugs cause upto 2 billion dollars worth of damage each year. The most interesting fact about these bugs is that if the total weight of all the termites in the world is calculated then it would be more than the total weight of all the humans. Citizens living in termite prone areas of US cities like Timonium (MD) and Towson (MD) have to frequently face large scale property destruction due to these bugs. As mentioned earlier there are 3 primary types of termites which cause large scale destruction. These are:
1. Formosan: Considered to be the most destructive amongst other types of termites, a Formosan colony can be upto 300 feet long with almost 10,000 members. These bugs are classified in 3 separate groups: workers, reproducers and soldiers. The Formosan ones can easily build mud burrows inside building walls. With such a large number of members in a single colony, it can quite easily destroy the foundation of your house within a few months. The best way to prevent Formosan termites is to make sure water flows away from your residence. Also ensure that there are no damp wooden piles near your home. This is the most common type of termites which are found in numerous US cities like Carney (MD) and Timonium (MD). 2. Drywood: A colony of Drywood termites can have upto 2,500 members. These types of bugs can consume anything from wallpaper and wood to fabric (made from plants) and plastic. Since these types do not require moisture to live, they normally build burrow tunnels in the wood of homes, trees and other buildings. 3. Subterranean: This type of termites can have upto 2 million members in one colony and like Drywood termites can consume plastic, wallpaper, and wood. The main feature of Subterranean termites is that they need to be in contact with soil and cannot live without moisture.
