Termites are annoying pests to deal with and nobody likes having them in their home. There are different species of termites in the world, but two of the most common species found in the United States are drywood termites and subterranean termites.
So what’s the difference between drywood termites and subterranean termites? The main difference between the two pests is that drywood termites live inside the wood they’re infesting, while subterranean termites live underground.
Differences of Drywood Termites and Subterranean Termites
There are evident differences between the two species especially when it comes to their physical characteristics, like their body and color. However, there are more factors that help tell the two apart, which include the following:
1. Wings
Because of their complex system of veins, a drywood termite’s wings have at least three to four veins in each wing. A subterranean termite has dark brown or black wings with a single thick vein that runs parallel on the top of its wing.
2. Excrement
Another factor that can differentiate the two species apart is their excrement. Since they have different eating habits, subterranean termites leave behind non-ridged, cardboard-like excrement called a ‟carton,” and drywood termites have six-sided excrement that resembles fine grains of sand.
3. Feeding Patterns
As their name suggests, drywood termites prefer wood that is dry and they don’t need a lot of moisture to survive. This is why they are more likely to infest and feed on furniture, antiques, or the structure of your home. On the other hand, subterranean termites are pickier with their food and only chew on the softest part of the wood.
Drywood Termites and Subterranean Termites: Damage Caused
In the United States, subterranean termite infestations are more common than drywood termite infestations. There is also more damage caused by subterranean termites due to the fact that they have larger colonies. And since they live underground, homeowners may only detect an infestation once the termites have done significant damage. However, since drywood termites tend to infest and live in dry wood, they pose a greater risk to your home’s structure. Another sign of drywood termites is their frass, which looks like sawdust and is often found near the infestation.
Do All Termites Enter Your Home the Same Way?
Both termites enter your house in different ways. For subterranean termites, they enter through the soil in the foundation or any cracks in the foundation walls. These insects also enter through mud tubes, which connect their nest to their food source. Drywood termites don’t build mud tubes. Instead, they enter when drywood termite swarmers fly directly to the wood through attic or foundation vents or through cracks in the window frame. Drywood termites can also enter when you bring untreated wood inside your home.
Can I Use the Same Methods to Eliminate All Kinds of Termites?
Since moisture is one of the main factors that attract subterranean termites, keeping your home dry will help reduce or eliminate their population and prevent them from infesting indoors. Remember to check your home for leaky pipes and clogged drains. You can also use a dehumidifier in crawl spaces to reduce moisture.
On the other hand, you can eliminate and treat drywood termites by keeping any firewood or lumber away from your home. It’s also important to check any furniture or wood that you bring inside and make sure that they are not infested with drywood termites.
Here’s a table that can help you determine the differences between subterranean termites and drywood termites:
Termite Control With Midway Pest Management
The most effective treatment for any termite infestation is to let a professional do the job. Midway Pest Management can help provide you with the best solutions to eliminate termites and other pest infestations. We thoroughly inspect your property beforehand to offer the best treatment plan for your problem. Call us today to know more about our services.
Learn more: Do Termite Bait Stations Work?
