What Is the Difference Between Drywood and Subterranean Termites?
As if termites are not a bad enough topic to deal with, did you know that there is more than one kind? It’s true! There are more than 45 different kinds of species of termites here in the U.S.; but typically, here in Florida, you will be dealing with the top two: drywood termites and subterranean termites. The distinction between the two is very important both in terms of damages caused and in treatment options.
The primary difference between drywood and subterranean termites is that drywood termites will infest through the wood of the structure, most often in attics, and subterranean termites live and invade a structure through the soil around a structure.
Let’s take a closer look.
Drywood Termites
These pests are typically some shade of brown and are a larger species than the subterranean termite. They are not considered a danger to people because they do not bite or sting, but they are a huge danger to your home and the wooden products inside.
Unlike subterranean termites, this species prefers their wood to be dry – thus their name. They will infest and damage any dry wood product ranging from the structure of your home to antiques, furniture, and more.
They do not need to live in soil, so it can be a bit more obvious when they invade. They do, however, force home and business owners to incur costly repair bills for their damage.
Subterranean Termites
These pests are smaller in size than the drywood species, but they surely are not smaller when it comes to the damage they cause. They vary in color depending on the job they do within the colony. The workers are soft, white, and blind.
They are rarely seen if ever and spend their lives deep inside the wood they have invaded. The soldiers are a bit larger, but essentially look the same except for an elongated yellow head. The reproductives are the largest members and the most likely to be seen. They are typically dark brown or black and have wings.
These creatures must remain in the soil in order to keep from drying out by wind and sun. They live deep underground and build mud tubes along the top of the ground and up the side of foundations to travel through from their nest to their food source which is typically the support structure of your home.
Because they spend most of their lives underground, it is often only after they have caused significant damage that they are found. These creatures cost American home and business owners billions of dollars each year with the damages that they inflict upon structures and property damage.
Call Hoffer Pest Solutions for Your Termite Control Needs
The good news for South Florida residents is that no matter what type of termite you are facing, Hoffer Pest Solutions has termite control options that have been proven to be both efficient and effective. Our trusted professionals will inspect your property to determine which species you have and to identify their nesting sites and the extent of the infestation.
Next, they will safely apply appropriate measures to eliminate the entire colony. Lastly, they will monitor your property, typically quarterly, to ensure there is no re-infestation. And, all of this is backed by our Million Dollar Termite Repair Guarantee for subterranean termites or our Termite Retreatment Guarantee for drywood termites.
No matter what your termite situation is on your South Florida property, Hoffer Pest is the trusted name to turn to for its solution. Give us a call to see how affordably we can help you eliminate and control termites on your Florida property.