There are two basic types of termites that infest homes in South Carolina. One is the subterranean termite and the other is the drywood termite. Within these two groups, there are various species of termites including the Formosan subterranean termite that is highly aggressive and destructive.
All termites are similar in that they can destroy your home, yet they are very different from each other when it comes to their behavior. Understanding termites is the first step to preventing them. Here is a look at the two types of termites and how you can keep them out of your house.
Subterranean Termites Love Damp Areas
Subterranean termites live under the ground …show more content…
They usually return to their underground nest when not foraging for food, but if they find damp areas to live inside your home, the termites might build another nest in your house, which further escalates the damage they cause.
Tips for Preventing Subterranean Termites
Since these pests are drawn to damp areas around and inside your home, one of the most important things you can do to prevent an invasion of subterranean termites is to keep your house dry. Fix plumbing leaks quickly and keep piles of wet leaves away from your foundation.
Make sure your gutter downspout directs water away from your house so the area next to your foundation doesn't stay damp. Since these termites stick close to the soil, they typically enter the bottom portion of your home.
Stay vigilant for signs of them in your yard such as mud tunnels on an outdoor structure or on your home. If you see a mud tunnel or see signs of termite activity inside your home, call for help right away so an exterminator can control the pests before they do much damage to your house.
Drywood Termites Can Move Freely Above