Types of Termites in Charleston, Summerville, and
Mount Pleasant
How Many Types of Termites Are in The Lowcountry?
There are over 2,000 termite species globally and around 50 of those types are established in the United States. Here in the Charleston, Summerville, and Mount Pleasant areas, there are typically only 3 termite kinds found: Eastern Subterranean Termites, Drywood Termites, and Formosan Subterranean Termites. Accurate identification is very important. An effective treatment approach is not achievable without complete and integrated pest management.
Eastern Subterranean Termites
The most widespread termite species in this area is the Eastern Subterranean Termite They will consume anything comprising or built of cellulose (wood and wood products).
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Swarm periods for Eastern Subterranean Termites are typically in the late morning or early afternoon, from February through April. The winged termites are generally located near light fixtures or windows as they are attracted to light. Many times, people confuse swarmers for flying ants.
Drywood Termites
Drywood termites usually originate in furniture, hardwood flooring, or in the frame of a structure. They can create individual colonies that are separate of each other across a structure.
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Dry wood, as the name suggests, is where you find Drywood Termites; typically in warmer climates and with very few periods of freezing temperatures like our Lowcountry region. They receive all of the moisture they require via their digestion activity and the wood they ingest, so they can survive in dry settings for an extended time. What also separates them from most termite groups is that they do not need connection with soil in order to survive.
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Typically at night, during the spring, is when Drywood Termite alates swarm, and then drop their wings soon after emerging.
Formosan Termites
The Formosan Subterranean Termite first appearance in the continental US was in the late 1950’s in South Carolina, Texas, and Louisiana. While a native Subterranean Termite eats more and damages more wood than a single Formosan Subterranean Termite, Formosan Subterranean Termite colonies can hold several million termites (as opposed to several hundred thousand termites in a native Subterranean Termite colony).
The total number and size alone of the Formosan Subterranean Termite colony can cause more damage in a smaller period of time. As soon as a Formosan Subterranean Termite colony is created (which takes about three to five years), it is close to impossible to eradicate it.
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The alates (or swarmers) are yellowish-brown and around ½” long. Their wings are wrapped in tiny hairs. The large swarms of Formosans typically happen from April to July at dusk on humid evenings.
For Termite Control Management in Charleston SC, Call Arrow Today
Family owned and operated since 1989, you can count on the team at Arrow Termite and Pest Control to help you protect your family from termites. Just contact us today to learn more about how we get rid of termites in Charleston, Summerville, Ladson, Mount Pleasant. Kiawah Island, and throughout the Lowcountry.