There are around 2,000 known termite species in the world. However, there are a few that are common in the U.S. and pose the largest threat to homeowners:

• Dampwood termites: These termites infest wood with a high moisture content, hence the name. If your home is dry and sound, they will usually stay away.
• Drywood termites: Typically, drywood termites live in warm climates everywhere south of North Carolina; this invasive species does not require contact with soil. They will build nests in attics, roof materials, and walls.
• Native Subterranean termites: These termites are the most common termite species in the U.S. They live in underground colonies and build mud tubes to travel between their nest and food sources, primarily wood. They are found in every state in the continental United States and live in moist, secluded areas in colonies of up to 2 million members.
• Formosan termites: Formosan termites are invasive subterranean termites. Because of their large colony size, Formosan termites are often called “super termites.” These termites can form massive underground and aerial colonies. They are commonly found in southern coastal states like Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

Termite colonies can survive for many years, with some species capable of living for several decades or even longer. A colony’s longevity depends on factors such as environmental conditions, food availability, and the presence of predators or competitors.

Termite colonies can be enormous, with some reaching astonishing sizes. The largest termite colony ever recorded contained over three million individual termites! Termite colonies can occupy extensive underground galleries, often extending several feet below the surface and spreading out horizontally to forage for food and expand the colony. The vast number of termites within a colony makes them formidable and persistent pests when they infest human-made structures.