Long Island, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and the Bronx

New york State is home to the “Subterranean termite” species known to cause damage throughout: Long Island, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and even Manhattan — as well as upstate New York. Subterranean termites are usually most active on warm days after rainfall or in heated buildings during the winter. “Drywood termites” are not overly common in New York, but it is possible for them to establish colonies in the state as they may travel in furniture and wooden objects.

Each year, termites and similar pests cause an estimated $30 billion in damage to crops and man-made structures in the U.S. A homeowner who discovers termite damage will spend an average of $3,000 to repair the damage. It is crucial to maintain an effective termite prevention and control program. As a licensed termite inspector, Gateway can help identify the species and apply the necessary treatments to remedy your specific situation.

Subterranean termites

Subterranean termites are part of the family Rhinotermitidae. With few exceptions, these termites require contact with the soil, which provides optimal temperatures and moisture for their survival. Subterranean termites build underground nests connected to aboveground food sources via mud tunnels.

These underground termites are responsible for the majority of termite damage to homes and buildings in the U.S. The most aggressive subterranean termites in the U.S. are the Formosan termites (Coptotermes formosanus). Each year, Americans spend an estimated $1 billion on combined control measures and repair costs associated with Formosan termites.

Signs of subterranean termite infestation

Large swarms of flying termites and the presence of mud tubes are the two most noticeable signs of subterranean termite infestations in homes. However, these signs can be difficult to detect. Annual termite inspections focusing on termite entry points and signs of activity are important to prevent damage.

Subterranean termite control

Because they infest homes from the ground level, it is easier to prevent subterranean termite infestations than drywood termite infestations. The most common control measures for subterranean termite infestations include treating infested areas (direct applications to the soil and damaged wood) with termiticides, and placing bait stations around the home.

Drywood termites

Drywood termites typically are found in the southern and western states, although they can be transported in furniture to other parts of the U.S. Drywood termites do not require soil contact or aboveground moisture sources to survive. They live wholly within the material on which they feed, including dead trees, structural timbers, hardwood floors and pieces of furniture.

Generally speaking, drywood termites are larger than subterranean termites. Drywood termites do not have a worker caste, which means they rely on nymphs (immature reproductives) to perform the typical worker tasks.

Drywood termite colonies

Drywood termite colonies tend to be much smaller than subterranean termite colonies. The largest mature drywood termite colonies typically have no more than 5,000 termites.