Determining Destructive Termites By Region

Oct 8
07:28

2012

Aloysius Aucoin

Aloysius Aucoin

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There are four dominant species of termites causing destruction all across the United States. Depending upon the region and state, pest control therein is very familiar with the drywood, dampwood, Formosan and subterranean species.

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There are over 2000 species of termites around the world but all of them aren't active in the United States. In this country there are four dominant species with the names describing their preferences,Determining Destructive Termites By Region Articles feeding and nesting patterns of behavior. From these characteristics, pest control professionals remain prepared to handle the most prevalent species known to thrive in that area.

The activity level of termites is described in their name such as drywood, dampwood, formosan and subterranean. Each type can be found in small to overwhelming numbers in a majority of the connected states. The drywood species tend to stay and flourish in the warmer climate regions that do not freeze in the winter months. Similarly the dampwood species have large pockets of their groups in the south and southwest such as California. But the Formosan species are spread across the southernmost states from Florida all the way over to Texas before pretty much skipping over to California and Hawaii too. And lastly, the subterranean species can endure the highest and lowest temperatures across the country, excluding Alaska. Subterranean, drywood, and dampwoood are the most prevalent species across the United States and require the most frequent pest control for residential property like yours. But, second to none, the subterranean species of termites have and continue to cause the most damage because of their widespread population and climate tolerance.

Knowing the dominant species in your area is helpful in determining which one is invading your home as well as how to rid your home of them. Inspection is also critical to discovering the extent of the damage and whether any construction is required to repair it. Also you can take a look at what they are dining on to help figure out what you are dealing with. If you find Swiss cheese holes in moist decaying wood after a flood, you may be dealing with a dampwood species. Or if you have inexplicable holes in furniture, picture frames and new construction, you may be dealing with a drywood species. But regardless of the results of your inspection, professional fumigation is always the final step.

Professional fumigation is a long term solution and the most reliable way to protect the structural framework of a house. However, it is important to remember that along with everything else in life, any form of extermination is not permanent. As the years go by, it would be responsible to have routine inspections performed just to play it safe.