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What Kind of Termites Are the Most Destructive?

Regions within the U.S. are home to four main termite species, dampwood, drywood, Formosan and subterranean. Of the more than 2,000 termite species in the world, about 50 of them reside in every U.S. state except Alaska. In terms of damage, several members of the subterranean species wreak havoc on homes across the U.S., causing millions of dollars in damage every year.

Formosan Subterranean
- Native to China, the Formosan Subterranean termite is the most destructive species in the world. It is found in Southeastern states and southern California; it is the only subterranean termite species found in Hawaii. Formosan termites live in large colonies of several million. Each colony covers a territory of up to 300 feet. Eating as much as 13 ounces of wood per day, a colony severely damages a structure in three months time. Formosan termites eat through foam insulation, lead and copper sheeting, plastic and asphalt to get to wood, further damaging a structure.
Western Subterranean
- Western coastal states, along with Nevada and Idaho are home to the western subterranean termite; one of the most destructive termites in North America. This termite quickly eats Douglas fir and other structural timbers. Western Subterranean termites live in the soil and prefer a dark, moist environment. Regularly check for leaking pipes under your home and for standing water around your foundation to help avoid a termite infestation.
Drywood Species
- Drywood termites live in dry wood objects, such as furniture, picture frames and building structures. Of the drywood species, the southeastern, West Indian, western and desert termites are among the most destructive in the U.S. Drywood termites are most often found in east coast states, along the gulf coast, through the Southwest into California, Arizona and Hawaii. Do not leave scraps of wood lying around for termites to nibble on.
Interesting Facts
- Termites do not sleep; they eat 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  
  Termites have wings that shed once they find a place to build their nest.
  
  The total weight of all humans on Earth is less than the total weight of all termites on Earth.
  
  Termites also feed on living trees and bushes.
  
  Once you have a termite infestation, it is nearly impossible to get rid of them.
  
  Each breeder termite lays around 30 eggs. Breeders, as a group, care for the young.
  
  Dampwood Termites do not typically infest structures but prefer to live on decaying wood.

Insects & Science