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Subterranean
Termites General: Subterranean termites are the most destructive pest of wood. They've spread to every state except Alaska, but are more common and aggressive in the temperate parts of the country. The United States now has 46 million dwelling units subject to termite attack, and the net annual increase in such dwelling units is 750,000. Less than 1% (330,000) of the units receive treatment for control of termites. The annual cost resulting from termite damage and their control probably exceeds $600 million. Rising costs are expected in the future because of two factors: The expected population increase - more houses built on open land; and the discovery of the Formosan termite found in a number of Gulf and Atlantic port cities. Increased use of concrete and masonry terraces adjacent to foundation walls and poorly designed slab-on-ground construction favor termite attack and result in mounting damage to buildings. Subterranean termites are found throughout the tropic an temperate parts of the world. They are common throughout most of the eastern half of the United States and along the moisture conditions, and local building practices. Subterranean termites probably have existed in their present distribution for millions of years. There is no evidence of their general spread or introduction from the tropics to the United States, or of movement of any of our native species from south to north. Infestations, have become more common with central heated basements prolong termite activity. The development of suburban homes in forested areas likewise has increased termite problems. |