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Subterranean and Drywood Termite Identification

Termite Identification - What Species of Termite is it?
Before you decide on a treatment plan for termites, it is very important to determine the species you are dealing with.  In the southern part of the United States, subterranean termites are the most common.  Subterranean termites are the underground termite and travel in mud shelter tubes.  They make up about 90% of the termite infestations in the United States.  Subterranean termite species that are the most common are the Eastern subterranean termite, Arid Land subterranean termite and the western subterranean termite.  Formosan termites are also a species of subterranean termite that are common in areas of Louisiana, Texas and Florida.  If you live more than 500 miles from the gulf coast, it is likely that your termites are subterranean.

Drywood termites live in drywood and do not need moisture from the ground to Survive.  Drywood termites are most common in areas near the Gulf Coast and in Southern California.  Drywood termites require a different treatment than subterranean termites, so it is important if you live in these areas to determine what species you have.  You could have both subterranean termites and drywood termites at the same time, and they would require 2 different treatments to control them.  Click here for more info on Drywood termites.

Subterranean Termite Swarmer (note: black body / white wings)	Drywood Termite Swarmer (note: red body / black wings)

Ants or Termites? 
It is also possible that you are not dealing with termites at all.  Carpenter ants look very similar to swarming termites due to the fact that both reproductive stages have wings.  If you find signs of winged insects, don't panic and assume that they are automatically termites.  Carefully pick one up and look at under a magnifying glass.  Look for the most common sign - the color.  Subterranean termite swarmers are solid black, drywood swarmers are solid red, while carpenter ants are usually red and black or dark brown.  The other big difference is in the body.  Termites all have a long body with no small segments attached.  Ants always have a thin neck and a thin waist.  Check out the chart below to help determine the difference.  If you think you have carpenter ants, then don't go any further, because carpenter ants require a totally different treatment than termites.  Click here for more info on Carpenter Ants.

Ants or Termites ?
Compare Your Critters To This Chart

Ants species that are commonly confused with subterranean termite swarmers are carpenter ants and fire ants.  Both of these ant species have winged reproductives that swarm in the early spring and randomly during the year.  The important thing to remember however, is that subterranean termites only swarm in the spring in the US, and occasionally in the fall.  Subterranean termite swarmers are very poor fliers and only use their wings to swarm.  They will break them off soon after swarming to make crawling easier.  They will then search out a mate and pair off to start a new colony.  You may encounter piles of broken wings, especially on window sills, and near areas of sunlight such as doorways, etc.  Winged ants do not break off their wings and are very strong fliers.  Compare your critters to the chart above to determine what you have.  If you have ants, visit our ant section or click here for more information on how to control them.

Subterranean Termite Swarmers

If you think you have subterranean termites - then you need to be positively certain.   You may find workers and soldiers or swarmers.   Subterranean termite swarmers appear in the United States starting in February (south Florida) and swarm until early June for the northern areas of the United States.   In most instances of swarming, the individual termite colony only swarms 1 or 2 times.  It is not a constant swarming cycle and unless you are lucky enough to witness the swarm or find dead swarmers or wings, you may miss it.

You May Find Subterranean Termite Swarmers, Soldiers and Workers.
Normally, You Will Not Find Queens or Kings Because They Are Hidden
Deep Inside Their Colony.

In coastal areas of the US, drywood termites are common.  Drywood termite swarmers differ from subterranean termites in appearance primarily in color.   Drywood termite swarmers are red with blackish wings - and can be confused with Florida carpenter ants. 
For more information on drywood termites, click here.

If you do not see signs of swarming, then there are other signs that you can look for.  The most obvious sign of subterranean termite infestation is mud tunneling.  Subterranean termites build mud shelter tubes in which they travel.   These mud shelter tubes are connected with the termite colony and are constructed of dirt and an acid substance that the worker termites secrete.  The mud shelter tube helps to protect the worker termites from predators such as ants, and also provides them with humidity.  Most importantly, mud shelter tubes give the blind worker and soldier termites a highway in which to travel to and from their food sources. Mud shelter tubes are very hard packed, and usually as they get older, they get harder and larger.   Some mud shelter tubes are as small as a pen others can be several inches wide.

Subterranean Termite Mud Shelter Tubes
(Click For Larger Image)

Mud shelter tubes are usually seen on the outer sides of foundation walls as seen in the photo above.  They can also be seen emerging from sheetrock in ceilings, and on sheetrock walls as shown in the pictures below.

Pictures Of Subterranean Termite Damage

Subterranean Termite Mud Shelter Tubes Emerging From Sheetrock In Walls and Ceiling.
Subterranean Termites In Ceiling (Click For A Larger Image)	Subterranean Termites In Ceiling (Click For A Larger Image)

           

Signs of subterranean termite infestation that you may not see Include -

Termites Entering Structure Through Plumbing Entrances
Plumbing Line In Wall (Click For A Larger Image	Plumbing Line In Wall (Click For A Larger Image)
And Around Toilets, Showers, Tubs, Etc.
Plumbing Vent Stack (Click For A Larger Image)	Shower Stall Removed (Click For A Larger Image)

If you are certain that subterranean termites have infested your home, the time to treat is NOW.  There is no best time to treat for them.  Summer, winter, spring or fall, subterranean termites can be active all year round in a heated building.   

Subterranean termites will not just disappear or go away.  If they have infested your home or business, the only thing that will stop them is a proper treatment.  If you do nothing, the termites will continue to eat and cause damage..  At some point, structural damages could occur.  If you are battling formosan subterranean termites, (gulf coast areas) your entire home could be destroyed in as little as a year and a half.

Subterranean termites should be taken very seriously.  Fortunately, they are usually easy to control.  All you need is the right approach and the right materials.   We call this the "Battle Plan".  Let us help you develop a "Battle Plan" to rid your home of subterranean termites with HomeChoice Termite Detector Stations and the Solo Wall Foamer.
 

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Click On The Links Below For More Information On How To Kill And Get Rid Of Termites:

How To Kill Termites

> Subterranean And Drywood Termite Identification

Termite Baiting - Everything You Want To Know

Termite Bait Station Installation and Inspection Instructions

Liquid Barrier Termite Treatment Methods  |  Alternative Treatment Methods

Solo Wall Foamer  |  Termidor Termiticide  |  Premise Insecticides  |  Bora-Care

HomeChoice Termite Detectors |   Smartdisc Termite Locators

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