The 4 different types of termites to know about.

There are many different types of termites that we need to worry about, but basically there are four types in the united states that we should be concerned about. These four types of termites all have two things in common and that is, one they all do damage. And Two is they all eat wood.  
1. The subterranean termite.
This lives below the ground surface anywhere from 1 foot to the 30 feet level, when they enter your home they must come in by building mud tubes, this is why is it is always important to be able to see your slab foundation, by being able to observe your slab foundation you can spot any tubes that come from the ground up the slab and enter into the home.
2. The dry wood termite.
Who unlike the subterranean termite only requires about 3% moisture to survive, so this termite can actually live in the wood without leaving the wood, it has its food source and its water supply in the wood itself. This termite will usually leave droppings and looks like small beach sand or saw dust piling up depending on how big the infestation may be from the. This particular termite usually takes a little longer to detect because it does not leave the area of infestation.
3. The damp wood termites.
For this termite to survive it requires a lot more moisture, 30% or more to be exact that is why you would normally find this termite close to wet wood, detecting the damp wood termite is usually done when there is some sort of structural repair going on.
4. The Formosan termite.
being one of the most destructible the Formosan termite can eat through wood with an alarming amount of speed. The Formosan can actually eat through a piece of wood 2x4x6 in about as much time as a subterranean can eat through a piece of wood that is 1x2x4.

It is usually a good idea to seek some professional help if you think you have a problem with one of the four termites listed above.

Seek out professional pest control help help.

Termites In Mulch

Termites In Mulch

First let’s get one concern out of the way concerning termites in mulch. The first concern comes from a problem in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. And the rumor was that you can get termites from the mulch and that is just about what it is, a rumor. The universities have written some articles on this matter. Some information comes from those articles.

Termites can be found in mulch, but their survival is poor and here is why: the ability of termites to survive the chipping process to create mulch is not good; the mulching process to make wood chips is usually enough to kill a colony of termites. The only way termites can come to your house by mulch is if you don't use a reliable source. Once the termite is separated from the colony the survival rate really decreases.

Even though it is possible to get termites this way it is not probable. The mulch application is important. Keep away from foundation of house at least 6”.

What normally happens is the mulch is placed up against the house and blocks the view of inspectors doing the annual inspection. For the most part the biggest scare of termites is the Formosan termite. This termite has been known to eat through plastic, lead, copper, plaster and rubber to search for moisture and a food source.  

The termite in question is the subterranean termite.  Even if this termite does not come with the mulch, the mulch will make a bridge the termites can cross with out coming in contact with the ground or chemical. Chances are you have the subterranean termite living in the soil somewhere on your property.
Getting termites in mulch  can happen but would be rare.