What are the different nesting habits of subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites?

There are many different species of termites, but broadly speaking, they can be categorized into three main types based on their nesting habits: subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites.

Subterranean Termites: These termites build their colonies underground and are often considered the most destructive type. They create mud tubes to travel above ground to their food source, which is usually wood or cellulose material in buildings. Subterranean termites are found throughout the United States and are responsible for causing significant damage to homes and structures.

Drywood Termites: Unlike subterranean termites, drywood termites do not require contact with the soil. They infest dry wood, such as structural timber, furniture, and hardwood floors. Drywood termites are common in coastal areas and warm, dry climates.

Dampwood Termites: Dampwood termites are attracted to wood with high moisture content and typically infest decaying wood in contact with the soil or structures with water leaks. They are less common in urban areas compared to subterranean and drywood termites.

Each type of termite has unique characteristics and behaviours, but they all share the ability to cause damage to structures and property.