Drywood
Termites are larger than subterranean termites, up to one-half inch
long. Drywood termites create colonies in wood and require very little
moisture to survive. Unlike Subterranean Termites, they don't require
any direct connection to soil. They eat all types of wood and
occasionally other cellulose material like cardboard or books.
Drywood Termite infestations can
exist for long periods of time before being discovered, often eating
wood away but leaving the paint in place. The most common evidence of
Drywood Termites is small piles of sawdust colored pellets that fall
from kick-out holes made by the termites. Just one or two pellets is
difficult to see, but over time an active colony will create thousands
of these pellets making their presence more obvious.
Subterranean Termites are smaller than Drywood termites, approximately
one-fourth inch long. They create colonies in the soil and require
moisture to survive. Unlike Drywood Termites, they do require a direct
connection to soil. They build tubes up the side of concrete foundations
or straight out of the ground, making highway tunnels for traveling to
their food source and back.
Subterranean Termites eat all
types of wood and occasionally other cellulose material like cardboard
or books. The most common evidence of Subterranean Termites is the
presence of mud tunnels along the foundation of the house inside or out.
Carpenter Ants don't eat wood, but they sure like to make it their home.
They bore into wood framing and even wood cabinets to make their nests.
They do cause structural damage but are usually noticed by home owners
during swarming season when huge black flying ants are all over the
place. They are about 3/4 of an inch in length.
Carpenter Bees are large black bees that bore holes into wood to make
their nest to lay eggs. They are usually found in fences and trees. The
holes are about 1/2 of an inch in diameter and about 2 inches deep.
Powder Post Beetles are found in a variety of wood products. They infest
everything from wicker baskets to hardwood floors and pianos. They are
usually detected by seeing very fine saw dust or little holes in wood
surfaces
