Subterranean termites vs other termites

You may have heard about subterranean termites and what sort of damage they always inflict on buildings. You may have been told this by some pest control guy. However, the notion of subterranean termites being terrible pests of wood is simply an example of the mass ignorance of the public.

This is the real definition of subterranean termites: They are simply a (major) group of termites that build their nests below the surface of the soil and since there are so many species which build their nests below ground level, that to assume all subterranean termites are pests is inaccurate. Being pale or whitish in color, many people label subterranean termites as white ants, although that isn't true too, as they are not ants at all. Here are more details on what does a termite look like.

But let's make things clearer: Most of the destructive termites that plague humans are subterranean in habit. However, these destructive kinds of termites only form a small proportion of ALL subterranean nesting termites.

Now, what other types of termites are out there, besides subterranean termites?

There are only 4 major groups of termites in the entire world, if differentiated by nest building habit. They are mound building termites, wood nesting termites, arboreal nest building termites, and last but not least, termites that build their nests in soil - Subterranean termites. Among all termites, subterranean nesting termites are the largest and most diverse group, probably comprising two thirds of all termites in the world.

What are some of the well known subterranean termites that often cause a lot of problems?

The most famous subterranean termite by far is the Formosan Subterranean Termite, which is so named due to being originally discovered in Formosa (Taiwan), although it is found throughout South China as well. Formosan termites have spread to many countries of the world and quickly established themselves in their new habitats.

This termite is nicknamed the "super termite" because it is far more destructive than most other termite species, being able to destroy entire houses; even entire blocks of houses if given enough space and opportunity.

Another well known subterranean termite that is infamous in its native country is the Eastern Subterranean Termite, which is a type of termite quite similar to the Formosan Termite and has its home range throughout much of the United States.

What is the best way to prevent subterranean termites from infesting your home?

A lot of methods have been tried to eradicate subterranean termites once they have infested a house, but the best way is to actually prevent them from infesting in the first place. Anyone who is concerned about termite problems should install some termite bait stations around his house perimeter.

These baiting systems have been found to be effective in preventing infestations caused by subterranean termites by intercepting incoming foraging parties of worker termites, and diverting them to the poisoned bait inside them.

Here is where you can find out more accurate information on Termites.