Differences Between Drywood And Subterranean Termites

Termites may appear to the typical homeowner to be the same. They are little, tenacious bugs that gnaw into the wood and cause structural damage. However, for pest control businesses, termites are not all the same, and understanding which ones we’re dealing with is important in managing and eradicating the infestation.

Drywood termites and Subterranean termites are the two main varieties of termites that are sometimes mistaken for one another.

Although each species has unique traits, one thing they all have in common is the capacity to do serious structural damage to your home.

Although, it doesn’t matter what kind of termites you have as you must search for “affordable termites treatment near me” online after finding any of these termites.

However, for a better understanding, check out the comparison between these two common termite species.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are regarded as one of the most damaging species in the United States. Their firm pointed jaws function as cutters, and they may bite their way through small shards of wood, eventually destroying the foundation and causing the property to collapse. They may cause millions of dollars in damage each year and are present in every area except.

Appearance — Subterranean termites typically measure 1/8 inch or 3/8 inch in length. The appearance of each subspecies may differ. Soldier termites, for example, lack wings and have powerful jaws to defend the underground termite colony.

Workers lack wings, are cream-coloured, and are lower in size than soldiers. Meanwhile, subterranean termite swarmers (alates) and reproductive termites (kings and queens) have two pairs of flying wings and are dark brown to black in colour.

Nesting behaviour – Unlike dry wood termites, they prefer dark, wet settings and build subterranean nests. They build tunnels out of mud and wood to let them seek food in safety. They require moisture to survive and a nearby supply of soil water. They may also enter concrete walls and hollow blocks through cracks and crevices.

If you have such an environment on your property, you need to take better precautions. But before, search for “termites treatment near me” or “termites specialist near me” online to keep your home inspected for termites.

Symptoms of an infestation — Damaged wood, such as the production of a unique honeycomb pattern or blisters in flooring, is a typical subterranean species infestation indicator. Swarmer termites may also shed their wings and leave them in mounds on windowsills, spider webs, and house corners.

The existence of mud tubes, which are generally black and flattened in form, is the most visible symptom of subterranean termite infestation. Mud tubes may be difficult to spot at first, but they frequently grow to exposed surfaces and concrete foundations over time.

Drywood Termites

Drywood termites, as the name implies, infest wood in environments and locations with high humidity levels. They are mostly found all over Brisbane. The most frequent species in the Southeastern drywood termite. A drywood termite swarm would often attack wood structures, furniture, and even wood floors.

Appearance — A drywood termite’s typical length varies from 1/4 inch to 3/8 inch. They might be white or brown in hue and may look transparent at times. They have short legs, a strong midsection, and a straight antenna for detecting the odour of wood.

A drywood termite swarmer has wings that help it choose a suitable breeding site. When these winged termites locate a new habitat, they usually shed their wings.

Nesting behaviour – One of their distinguishing characteristics is that they build nests inside the wood that they infest, causing significant damage to the property and structural base. Drywood termites do not require water to live.

They ingest cellulose, which is contained in wood, which is why they like to make their nests in wooden structures such as homes, fences, and trees. They may survive in places where there is no soil, such as attics, backboards, window frames, and other wooden buildings. Drywood flying termites are most active in the late spring and summer.

Symptoms of an infestation — A drywood termite colony can be difficult to detect, and they can live in their nests in contaminated wood for years without being spotted. They do, however, leave evidence of their invasion. Swarming termites shed their wings near the entrance to their new habitat as they settle in.

They also like chewing on wood grain, producing and depositing termite droppings or faecal pellets known as frass. They are often tiny and roundish in form and the same colour as the wood in which the termites are nesting.

Another method for detecting drywood termite infestation is to tap on the structure. It typically signifies that the termites have eaten when it creates a hollow and dull sound. Search for “termites control specialist Brisbane” or “termites treatment specialist near me” the minute see these signs on your property.

No matter what termite species you have in your home, you should call a professional to tackle them. For quick detection and eradication, contacting a professional termite exterminator is crucial.