Help! I have termites

Termites are sometimes referred to as a “silent enemy”. They can be hiding out in your home or yard at any given point, but how much do we really know about them? Termites can cause all kinds of damage to your home without any signs until your home is completely invaded with termites.

What do they look like?

Generally, termites are brown in color. Different types of termites may half a slight color variation to them, though. For example, while the termites in a specific colony may all be within the same species, the colony consists of different classes of termites. Worker termites are usually very light in color and have a soft body. Soldier termites often have worker-like bodies, but they have hard heads and large jaws that are dark in color. Alate termites, however, tend to have wings and a very hard exoskeleton that is very dark in color.

Types of Termites

There are over 45 different types of termites in the United States alone, each of which fall into three different categories.

Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are responsible for most of the damage caused to homes in the United States. These termites live in the soil and make larger nests than any other insect in the United States alone. The nests are connected through mud-tubes to food sources such as trees and structural timbers in houses. Subterranean termites can live in any U.S. State except Alaska.

Dry-wood Termites

Dry-wood termites usually live in wood, such as dead trees, structural timbers, and within hardwood floors. Dry-wood termites do not require contact with the soil to survive. Some dry-wood colonies can cause significant damage to homes, but at a slower rate than subterranean termites. This is because dry-wood termites shelter in smaller colonies than subterranean termites.

Damp-wood Termites

Damp-wood termites usually live in wood with high-moisture content. Like dry-wood termites, most damp-wood termites do not require contact with the soil to survive. Since the structural wood found in homes rarely contain enough moisture for damp-wood termites to survive, it’s rare to find these termites nesting within homes.

How much damage do termites cause?

Subterranean termites are responsible for most damage caused in the United States. Dry-wood termites can also cause a significant amount of damage, but at a slower rate. Damp-wood termites, however, are less likely to infest and damage a home due to their high moisture requirements.


Termites are referred to as the “silent-enemy” because termite damage can remain unnoticed until a few years later after the infestation has occurred. At first, the damage can even be mistaken for water damage. A house with damage can often look the same as any other house, but if left untreated, significant damage will occur.

I have termites! What do I do now?

If you even think you have termites, don’t hesitate. Call us today! Scout Pest Control specializes in termite infestations, termite eliminations, rodent exclusions, and much, much more! You can count on us to help you win the war against termites today! What are you waiting for?

Call Scout Pest Control today at (256) 216-1088!

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