Eastern Subterranean Termite: is the most common and widely distributed termite in the USA. This termite is considered a Swarmer, about 3/8″ long (including wings) with a dark brown body and a small fontanelle (frontal gland pore) on its head. Their wings are brownish grey with two dark solid veins along the forefront of the front wings. The front wing is distinctly larger than hind wing. Eastern subterranean termites constantly search for new food sources.
They are known to enter buildings through cracks in concrete flooring or to travel under parquetry or tile flooring through gaps of less than 1/16″ wide. Where moisture regularly collects inside the wall or other cavities of a building, say from faulty plumbing or broken roof tiles, the Eastern subterranean termite can develop a subsidiary colony nest which may not require contact with the ground to ensure it’s survival.
Formosan Termite: are the most aggressive and destructive timber pests in the United States. They swarm in huge numbers in late spring or summer; usually following a warm rainy day. They prefer to swarm in times of high humidity in the evening hours from dusk to midnight. The swarmers are attracted to lights and are about 1/25”, including wings. Their body color is pale yellowish brown. A fontanelle (frontal gland pore) is present.
Termites have three body regions (head, thorax, and abdomen) broadly joined with no constrictions as found in ants. Workers are creamy white with head slightly darker, with no wings present. Workers do all the damage. Choose one of the links for more information about termites.
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