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Characteristics of Termites

There are two species of termites we commonly encounter in Southern California--Drywood Termites and Subterranean Termites.

Because of their wood-eating habits, termites sometimes do great damage to buildings and other wooden structures. Their habit of remaining concealed often results in their presence being undetected until the timbers are severely damaged and exhibit surface changes. Once termites have entered a building they do not limit themselves just to wood, also damaging paper, cloth, carpets, and other cellulosic materials.

Termites try to remain hidden, building tunnels in earth and wood. When they have to cross some impermeable material they build several feet long shelter tubes (from packed earth/feces).


 
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Common Types of Termites
Drywood Termites
Drywood Termites, as the name applies, like dry wood and live above ground. Unlike the Subterranean termite, they do not require any contact with the soil. They live in un decayed wood with a low moisture content.
 
   
Subterranean Termites
Subterranean Termites nest below ground. Like Drywood Termites, Subterranean Termites eat wood (practically all types of wood) with a vengeance. They spend most of their time in the soil, typically two to four feet below the surface
   
Dampwood Termites
A third and less common type of termite is Dampwood Termites. Dampwood Termites feasts in wet environments and are normally larger in size than other termite species.

 

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