Termites in North America: Species, Distribution, and Damage

North America's Termite Landscape

Yes, termites are widespread across North America. Over 50 species occur in the United States alone, with additional species in Canada and Mexico. They cause an estimated $5+ billion in annual property damage in the US.

Major Ecological Groups

1. Subterranean Termites (Family Rhinotermitidae) – Most Destructive

• Eastern Subterranean (Reticulitermes flavipes): Most common, entire eastern US + Ontario/Quebec.
• Formosan (Coptotermes formosanus): Invasive "super-termite"; Gulf Coast, Hawaii, spreading. Massive colonies (millions), aggressive foraging.
• Western Subterranean (Reticulitermes hesperus): Pacific Coast to Idaho/Nevada.
• Arid Land (Reticulitermes tibialis): Southwest/Plains.

Behavior: Live in soil, build mud tubes to access wood above ground. Require moisture contact.

2. Drywood Termites (Family Kalotermitidae)

• Western Drywood (Incisitermes minor): California, Arizona, coastal.
• Southeastern Drywood (Incisitermes snyderi): Gulf Coast, Florida.
• Desert Drywood (Marginitermes hubbardi): Sonoran Desert.

Behavior: Live entirely in dry wood (no soil contact). Smaller colonies. Kick out fecal pellets (frass).

3. Dampwood Termites (Family Termopsidae/Archotermopsidae)

• Pacific Dampwood (Zootermopsis angusticollis): Coastal PNW, Rockies.
• Florida Dampwood (Neotermes castaneus): South Florida, Keys.

Behavior: Require high-moisture wood (logs, stumps, water-damaged structures). Less structural pest significance.

Geographic Patterns

Southeast: Highest diversity and pressure (subterranean + drywood + dampwood). Pacific Coast: Subterranean + drywood + dampwood. North Central: Subterranean only. Canada: Only eastern subterranean in southern Ontario/Quebec/BC.

Detection and Management

Mud tubes, swarmers (alates), frass, hollow-sounding wood. Professional inspection annually in high-risk zones. Treatments: soil termiticides, baits, wood treatments, fumigation (drywood).