At least three species of subterranean termites (Reticulitermes spp.) are native to Colorado and they can be locally common. Most widespread is the aridland subterranean termite, R. tibialis, which may be found throughout most of the state below about 7500 ft.
Do termites live in Colorado?
Termites are active in much of Colorado, from Fort Collins to Denver to Colorado Springs and from Grand Junction to Durango. Termites are less common in the northwest corner of the state. What Types of Termites Are in Colorado? Subterranean termites are known to damage homes in Colorado.
Are there termites in Grand Junction Colorado?
Subterranean termites are known to damage homes in Colorado. Experts also have reported drywood termite infestations around Grand Junction, Colorado. Are Formosan Termites in Colorado?
How big do termites colonies get?
Their colonies are located in the wood they eat and are generally small in size when compared to subterranean termite colonies. The colony usually numbers about 3,000 individuals after over 10 to15 years. A distinctive indication is no presence of a worker caste and the nymphs perform all tasks typically done by workers.
Where do termites live in Arizona?
Area of Distribution: The Arid-Land subterranean termite is commonly found from the Pacific Coast to Indiana, and southwards from Montana to lower California, Texas, and Mississippi. It is by far the most common and destructive termite in Arizona.
Are termites an issue in Colorado?
Termites can damage homes and other wooden structures. They are an increasing problem in Colorado, particularly in urban areas. Precautions can be taken to avoid termite infestations. Effective controls are available.
Does Denver Colorado have termites?
There are two types of termites in Denver: subterranean termites and drywood termites. Subterranean termites live underground and tunnel into the wood in your home. Meanwhile, drywood termites live in the wood. Although you might not be able to tell the two types of termites apart, a trained technician can.
Do termites live at high altitude?
Subterranean termites are very abundant in most parts of California, even at elevations above 8,000 feet, and live and breed in soil, sometimes many feet below the soil surface.
Should I worry if I see a termite?
If you see discarded wings around your home, don't panic. This simply means that there is a termite colony in your yard or near your house, but not inside your actual home. However, it's still a good idea to get a professional termite inspection to be sure there isn't a bigger problem at hand.
Do you need termite protection in Colorado?
In states like Colorado where termites are fairly active and widespread, it is essential to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program. If you own a home in Colorado, talk to your termite control expert about methods to help protect your home from termite infestations and damage.
Does Colorado require termite inspection?
COLORADO. The Department of Veterans Affairs does not require Wood Destroying Insect Information on properties in the State of Colorado “unless the VA appraisal indicates Wood Destroying Insect infestation or a condition conducive to infestation.”
What are the signs of termites in your home?
Keep an eye out for the following signs of termite activity:Discolored or drooping drywall.Peeling paint that resembles water damage.Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.Small, pinpoint holes in drywall.Buckling wooden or laminate floor boards.Tiles loosening from the added moisture termites can introduce to your floor.More items...
Where are termites most common?
Where are termites most common in the U.S.? It depends on the climate. They thrive in warmer climates, so their activity is greatest in the South, Southeast, West and Southwest. The three most important types of termites in the U.S. – in terms of activity and damage – are drywood, dampwood and subterranean termites.
How often should a house be treated for termites?
It's vital to have your home inspected every six months after that pest control treatment, so if they do come back, a professional technician can reapply treatment and slow down further damage to your property.
Is one termite a problem?
Finding one, two, or even a dozen termite swarmers in your house does not mean you have a termite infestation. These insects probably blew in through an open door. Termite swarmers are adapted to mate and begin new colonies in exterior wood, particularly wood that is weathered, cracked, or unfinished.
How do you find a termite nest?
What to Look For. Pencil-thick to inch-wide tunnels on foundation and crawl-space walls (above) shelter subterranean termites traveling to and from the nest. If you see cream-colored insects when you break open the tubes, your house is infested. If you don't, the colony may be dead or using another route inside.
Can you have termites and not know it?
Typically, homeowners don't even realize they have termites until the damage is already done. If you notice any of the following signs, seek professional help before it's too late.
Where are termites found in Colorado?
Termites are active in much of Colorado, from Fort Collins to Denver to Colorado Springs and from Grand Junction to Durango. Termites are less common in the northwest corner of the state.
Is there a termite control program in Colorado?
In states like Colorado where termites are fairly active and widespread, it is essential to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program. If you own a home in Colorado, talk to your termite control expert about methods to help protect your home from termite infestations and damage.
What species of termites are local to Colorado?
At least three species of subterranean termites (Reticulitermes spp.) are native to Colorado and they can be locally common. Most widespread is the aridland subterranean termite, R. tibialis, which may be found throughout most of the state below about 7500 ft.
What are the main characteristics of termites?
Termites are classified by the type of nest they build. In Colorado, the eastern subterranean termite is usually responsible for damage to structures. This is the same species that is a pest in the Northeast. These termites usually maintain contact with the soil in which the main nest is found.
Is termite damage common in Colorado?
Damage by termites to structures in Colorado has not been very common – at least in comparison to areas of the US that are wetter and/or warmer.
Do humans change the nature of termites?
Human activities, particularly landscaping practices, have greatly changed the termite picture within Colorado. Infestations of buildings and presence in yards are now more common in many residential areas of the state.
What are the three types of destructive termites in Colorado?
There are three main species of destructive termites in Colorado. Eastern subterranean termites Arid-land subterranean termites. Western drywood termites.
Where can I find termites in Arizona?
Area of Distribution: The Arid-Land subterranean termite is commonly found from the Pacific Coast to Indiana, and southwards from Montana to lower California, Texas, and Mississippi. It is by far the most common and destructive termite in Arizona.
How many termites are in a subterranean colony?
In some locations an Eastern subterranean termite colony can contain several million termites foraging over a wide area (up to 12,000 square feet) and actively feeding on trees and freestanding poles as well as buildings and other timber structures.
What are termites damaging to Douglas Fir?
Identification of Timber Damage. Eastern subterranean termites are highly destructive to douglas fir and other common building timbers. They can rapidly eat out the internal sections of structural timbers - devouring mainly the spring wood, and preferring to leave the harder summer wood sections.
How long are termite swarmers?
IDENTIFICATION: The eastern subteranean termite swarmers are about 3/8" long (including wings) with a dark brown body and a small fontanelle (frontal gland pore) on its head. Their wings are brownish grey with two dark solid veins along the forefront of the front wings.
What temperature do termites need to live?
Eastern subterranean termites need to maintain a high level of humidity and temperature (75 to 95°F) in their central colony nest. Eastern subterranean termites eat through the centre of susceptible timbers leaving nothing but a thin veneer of timber and/or paint.
How long do queen termites live?
Worker termites - thin external skin. The queen termite is an egg laying machine; her body is enormous compared to her off-spring; she can live more than 25 years and produce more that 2,000 eggs a day. The king and queen live in a central chamber and are tended by the workers.
What is the most common form of termites?
The form of termites most commonly seen is the winged (alate) form. These are produced in great numbers at specific times of the year, usually spring or fall. These are the new kings and queens that leave the colony in large groups, fly briefly, mate, and form a new colony.
How are termites classified?
Termites are classified by the type of nest they build. In Colorado, the eastern subterranean termite is usually responsible for damage to structures. This is the same species that is a pest in the Northeast. These termites usually maintain contact with the soil in which the main nest is found. They search outside their nest for wood to feed on and construct earthen tubes from the nest to the food source. There is also a small area in Grand Junction affected by drywood termites, which require different management tactics.
How to tell if a termite is in a nest?
The most common way to detect termites is by spotting the winged adults emerging from inside a building, generally in the spring or fall. Termites often fly to windows or other light sources.
What do termites search for in their nests?
They search outside their nest for wood to feed on and construct earthen tubes from the nest to the food source. There is also a small area in Grand Junction affected by drywood termites, which require different management tactics. Eastern subterranean termite nests are designed to maintain high humidity.
How to prevent termites from reaching wooden structures?
A chemical barrier can prevent termites from reaching wooden structures as they tunnel through the soil. This is most effective when applied during construction. Injection holes can be drilled to introduce insecticides to the soil around and, if necessary, underneath a completed structure.
What are termites?
Termites are small to medium-sized, soft-bodied insects that live in colonies and feed on wood and wood products. In these colonies, different individual types or castes are responsible for specific tasks involved in colony maintenance. Each caste has a distinctive appearance. The form of termites most commonly seen is the winged (alate) form.
How far above ground should I put shingles for termites?
Wooden shingles or supports should have at least 8 inches of clearance above the soil or the termites may construct connecting tubes above ground for a short distance. These tubes are visible signs of an infestation.
Early Signs Of Termites
While the signs of termite damage are obvious after many years of termites eating away at a structure, early signs are not quite so obvious. Here's what you should look for:
Damages Caused By Termites Can Be Severe
If termites are allowed to do their silent destruction year after year, then their presence will become more apparent.
Tips To Avoiding Termite Destruction
Keep mulch at least 2 feet from the perimeter of your home, or replace it with crushed rock.
Which states have termites?
Florida, California and Hawaii are the three states in the US that contain all four types of termites that infest homes in America. Be very vigilant with preventative measures if you own a home in these states. Termites will not stop consuming wood until you stop them!
What type of termites are in the middle of the country?
In the middle of the country, there are Subterranean and Formosan termites. Subterranean termites by far cause the most termite damage and there is a greater danger of infestation by subterranean termites to homes in the United States than any other termite.
What is the most aggressive termite?
The Formosan termite is the most aggressive and economically devastating in the United States and the world – these pests destroy wood very quickly because of their large populations, and their colonies share interconnecting foraging galleries in the soil.
Where are subterranean termites found?
Subterranean Termites are found in every state within the United States . Infestations in the warmer southern states are more prevalent than in the colder northern states. Pests move from one state to another through zonal creep, and as our world gets warmer this phenomenon will occur more and more.
Where can I find Formosan termites?
The Formosan termite is found in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas – AND once established this pest has never been eradicated from the area. Formosan termites are the most destructive termite in the United States making their homes in the south where ...
What are the causes of termites in my house?
The top four causes of infestation are Moisture, Wood or Wooden Structures – that come in contact with soil, Openings – in the home’s foundation, roof, or walls, and just plain old Geography. Firewood, lumber, cardboard boxes, newspapers around the outside of the home can attract termites.
Where do termites live?
The map below shows regions populated by termites in the United States a greater number, and type of termites live in the southern states; they like the warm and mild climate. States bordering the southern part of the country contain every termite species known to reside in the United States: Subterranean, Drywood, Formosan, and Dampwood termites.
