If you own a home, you might wonder where termites come from. These sneaky undercover agents can originate from different spots like the soil in your yard or the nearby forests, which have a lot of wet and rotting wood and trees. They may go unnoticed until you see signs of destruction, like chewed-up wooden beams, mud tunnels on your garage floor, or winged swarmers popping out from cracks in your foundation or walls.
The Three Most Common U.S. Termites
Dampwood termite: Judy Gallagher / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
Drywood termite: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0
Subterranean termite: Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org / Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
The United States has three common types of termites that create damage. These termites are dampwood, drywood, and subterranean termites. Let’s delve into their characteristics and how they access your home in the table below:
| Dampwood Termites | Drywood Termites | Subterranean Termites |
| Origin: damp outdoor areas with decaying timber near your home | Origin: large, dry old trees in suburban developments, old furniture, and firewood | Origin: Under the ground in damp, moist, secluded areas in the soil |
| Entry: through infested lumber and sometimes mulch against the house’s foundation. Moist or substructure areas and areas that are in constant contact with the soil, wet or rotten scrap wood. Also, areas beneath sinks, tubs, or toilets | Entry: through attic, foundation vents that are not screened, cracks around window frames, soffits, door frames, and roof sheathing, also infested furniture and other wooden items brought into the house. | Entry: through the soil in any cracks, gaps, or other openings in the foundation or expansion joints, bath traps, patios, dirt-filled porches, sidewalks, steps, and chimneys are constructed adjacent to the foundation wall. Siding |
| Found In: South Florida, Semi-arid Southwest,Pacific coastal and adjacent states and the desert | Found In: coastal areas of California and the southern states, from North Carolina through the Gulf Coast | Found In: Every state except Alaska |
Note: Dampwood and drywood termites live within the wood they eat, whereas subterranean termites tend to live underground and travel back and forth to the wood they feed on.
What Brings Termites Indoors?
Termites are always on the hunt for food (wood), shelter (anyplace in your house that’s warm), and water (anywhere there is moisture). Unfortunately, these necessities can be found all too easily in residential homes.
Elements like wooden beams, unpainted wood, weathered eaves, faulty or absent rain gutters, and excess moisture from rain or humidity are particularly attractive to wood-destroying organisms like termites and can lead to infestations. These conditions create an ideal environment for termites to invade and make themselves at home, much like a magician’s perfect stage.
Why Do Termites Swarm?
Termite swarming season is when winged reproductive termites come out of their nests to mate and start new colonies. Termite swarming season varies depending on the type of termites, the time of the year, and the region.
You’ll know when the season hits because it’s really evident with swarms, discarded wings, and droppings. In warmer climates, termites are typically active throughout the year, while the termites in cooler climates are less active from November to February.
Interesting Note: Subterranean termites swarm in spring because they are in colder regions where the soil may freeze. While dampwood and drywood termites can swarm at any time. It’s important to note that although the swarming season is more noticeable, termite damage can occur year-round.
Where Are Termites Most Common in the U.S.?
Termites can be found in every state in the United States except for Alaska. But most commonly, they can be found in the South, Southeast, West, and Southwest, where the weather is warmer and more humid. Termites are creatures of comfort that need food, water, and warm, comfortable living conditions, just like humans.
Regarding activity and damage, the three most harmful types of termites in the U.S. are drywood, dampwood, and subterranean termites.
FAQ
How do termites get in your house?
Termites’ mode of entry varies depending on the species. Additionally, once they are inside, they create their own termite habitats with conditions that suit their species.
Do flying termites come out after rain?
Yes, definitely. Since rain is so important for regulating soil moisture and temperature in nature, it’s no surprise that it also plays a role in termite activity. Rainstorms can cause flying termites to mate during warm weather, and the moisture from rain can contribute to water damage in homes, which attracts termites and other pests. Unfortunately, rain can also make it harder to get rid of termite infestations, which can be a real pain.
Note: Although flying termites typically begin to appear in early spring, termite swarming seasons can vary based on your region.
Does mulch attract termites?
There are varying opinions about whether mulch can attract termites or not. It depends on the circumstances. Some folks believe termites could be drawn to the mulch because they want to eat it. However, others think termites wouldn’t be able to make it through the chipper machine that grinds the wood. Lastly, there are people who say that certain kinds of mulch can naturally repel termites – such as rubber, cedar, cypress, and black-dyed mulch.
Call in The Pros
If you’d like to know how to prevent termite damage, look no further. PestGnome can connect with top-notch pest control professionals in your area. Whether you want to safeguard your property from termite damage or need immediate assistance to deal with a full-blown infestation, PestGnome has you covered. With just a few clicks, you can get the help you need and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your property is in good hands.
Main Image Credit: maeklong / Canva Pro / License
