There are three major types of termites that live in the US: drywood; subterranean (ground); and Formosan. The most common types of termites found in the U.S. are the drywood and subterranean species. These termites survive by consuming cellulose, which is found in wood.
Drywood termites usually live above the soil, building up colonies in wooden structures such as trees, houses and even furniture. Once their colony is established, they can slowly weaken a wooden structure, but house owners may not see the damage for at least two years after their colony is established in their house
Subterranean termites prefer to live within the soil, building up a complex tunnel system that allows them access to nearby food sources of wood. This type of termites can spread out as far as 130 feet (39.6m) from the main living area to look for food. Certain species of ground termites are known to eat as much as 15 pounds (6.8kg) of wood each week! It is estimated that 95% of the damage done by termites in the U.S. are by the soil tunneling type of termite.
Formosan termites (Coptotermes formosanU.S.) are relative newcomers to US. Also a subterranean type of termite, this species that originated in East Asia, has become a threat to property and forests throughout a dozen southern states. Brought to this country in supplies returned to US military bases after WWII, this species was not identified as different species to the ground termites until the 1960s. Since 1998, southern states have embarked upon an aggressive program to eradicate the pest.
While some estimates of the ravages of termite infestations within the U.S. are as high as 3 billion dollars a year, all types of termites provide considerable ecological benefits to the land. Termites provide nourishment and shelter for many types of life forms as they break down dead and dying trees, and they also help aerate the soil for regeneration and future growth.
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