Of the more than 2,000 termite species worldwide, only about 50 species can be found in the United States. Of these, as many as 20 species are considered structural pests, which means they have been known to infest and eat wood in structures. Termites are found in every state in the U.S., except Alaska. Where are termites most common in the U.S.? It depends on the climate. They thrive in warm climates, so termite activity is greatest in the South, Southeast, West and Southwest. The three most important types of termites [links to: http://www.terminix.com/termite-control/termite-types/] in the U.S. – in terms of activity and damage – are subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites. Here are some key facts on these top three threats to your home:…show more content… • The Dark Southeastern Subterranean Termite: This species is found principally in the Eastern and Southeastern parts of the country.
• The Light Southeastern Subterranean Termite: This species is similar in distribution and importance to the dark southeastern subterranean termite.
• The Formosan Subterranean Termite: Native to China, this is the most destructive termite species in the U.S. The Formosan termite is commonly found in most Southeastern states and southern California, and is the only species of subterranean termite found in Hawaii.
• The Western Subterranean Termite: This species is the most abundant subterranean termite species in the West, and it can also be found in Idaho and Nevada.
• The Arid-Land Subterranean Termite: Found primarily in arid regions (prairies) of the Rocky Mountain states, the arid-land subterranean termite is the most common subterranean termite in…show more content… 2. Drywood termites
As their name implies, drywood termites live in dry wood. Their nests are found aboveground rather than in the soil. They are found along the East Coast from the Mid-Atlantic States to southern Florida, along the Gulf Coast, through the Southwest into California, as well as in Hawaii. Drywood termites infest wood products such as furniture, [links to: http://www.terminix.com/termite-control/termite-signs/damage/furniture/] picture frames and the wooden supports used in building construction. The drywood termite species that are most detrimental to homeowners include:
• The Southeastern Drywood Termite: This species is the most common drywood termite species in the South and Southeast.
• The West Indian Drywood Termite: Also common in the South and Southeast, this species is reportedly the only drywood termite species found in Hawaii.
• The Western Drywood Termite: Found in the Western and Southwestern U.S., it is also found sporadically in the Southeast.
• The Desert Drywood Termite: This drywood termite species is found mainly in Arizona and parts of southern California.
