With Drywood and Subterranean Termites, do you know the difference between them?
Major Difference
Drywood termites nest inside the wood they are infesting while Subterranean termites reside in the ground. Between the two termites, you can expect major property damage if they settle in. Subterranean termites invade your by making mud tubes to tunnel through the ground.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites need very little moisture and live in dry wood out of the ground. Drywood termites do not require contact with the soil and they infest dry wood. To survive, the subterranean species must nest near a water source or in the soil.
They nest in wooden frames, trim, window frames, and other wooden elements. They can be in attics too. Drywood termites’ diet consists of wood, leaving only the thin outer layer of healthy wood.
In isolated wood pieces, drywood termites live in small colonies. Multiple colonies can infest and attack a structure simultaneously. Winged drywood termite swarming flights occur in the late Spring and Summer months which are the peak season.
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites form their colonies in raw land and nest in the ground which can develop up to 1 million strong. Tunnels are built between their nests and food. In order to survive, they need moist soil and darkness. Subterranean termites cause more significant damage than drywood termites. Subterranean termites’ appearance is a soft white body with no eyes and are typically no longer than a centimeter.
They have a large society with a king and queen and subordinates (soldiers, workers and alates). The royal couple are guarded by the soldiers. The king is slightly larger than the queen who is up to 10 centimeters in length. During the Queen’s lifespan of approximately fifteen years, a few million of termites appear during their reign.
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