Termites have been found across 70% of the world and have survived environmental changes from creation.
In North America alone, termites invade more than 1.5 million homes causing 2.5 billion in damage. Termites only require 1/64 – inch space to enter your home; that’s the thickness of a piece of paper.
There are three main termite species of North America:
Subterranean Termites
Damage from the Subterranean termites has been cited in every state with the exception of Alaska. Subterranean termites can average 13 to 14 colonies per acre, with as many as one million termites per colony with an average of 2% soldiers. This is a moderately aggressive species of termite. An average colony will consume approximately seven pounds of wood per year. Their adaptability and mobility are also moderate. They depend on the soils in the ground for moisture and travel through ground tunnels. They are generally found in wet dead wood and can build mud tunnels that vertically reach 50 to 60 feet to get to the wood.
Formosan Termites
Referred to as the Super-mites, Formosan colonies are up to 10 times larger than the Subterranean. Formosan termites are very aggressive, consuming 1,000 pounds of wood, per year. Formosans will go through sheet metal, PVC pipes, electrical lines, mortar, or anything else to get to wood or cellulose. Formosans generally have an average of 10 to 20% soldiers in their colonies, making them more defensive and adaptable. Formosan termites are also stronger flyers, and not ground dependant, making them extremely mobile. They typically live in the south and southwest states.
Drywood Termites
The Drywood termites do not multiply as rapidly as the other two species. When the male and female mate they fly to new dry wood areas, household wood, furniture, dying trees, and so on. Over a period of 15 years the colony may grow to the size of three thousand. Drywood are the least dependant on soils. Their stomach produces a chemical to help digest the wood in their diet, thus creating enough water for them to live on. Drywood termites are very common throughout Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Texas and Califorina.
The Top 20 Termite Infestations of all Time in the U.S.
1. Miami, FL
2. Los Angeles, CA
3. Tampa, FL
4. Atlanta, GA
5. Orlando, FL
6. Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
7. Norfolk, VA
8. San Francisco, CA
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Raleigh, NC
11. Charlotte, NC
12. Charleston, WV
13. New Orleans, LA
14. Phoenix, AZ
15. Nashville, TN
16. Jacksonville, FL
17. Houston, TX
18. Richmond, VA
19. Greenville, NC
20. West Palm Beach, FL
###
