How much do you know about termites? Here are a few commonly asked questions and answers.

Q: How many types of termites are there? A: Over 2600 species have been identified by experts. Of those only 55 live in the U.S. Homeowners only have to worry about 2 types: subterranean termites and drywood termites.

Q: How are subterranean and drywood termites different? A: Termites live in colonies because they are social insects. One difference between subterranean termites and drywood termites is where the colony is located. Subterranean termites need the moisture in the earth to survive, so they live in underground nests. They tunnel to into nearby homes to feed. Drywood termites, however, don’t need the moisture in the earth to survive, so they nest inside the structures they’re feeding on.

Q: How would I know if termites have invaded my home? And how do I tell the difference between the different types? You may detect subterranean termites when they swarm in the spring. At that time the colony splits to begin other colonies. Mud tubes on the foundation or walls is a sign of subterranean termites. All termites leave wood that may look broken, blistered or weak. Discarded wings or piles of “sawdust” may indicate that drywood termites were present in the past or are currently present.

Q: I see none of these signs. Is my home free of termites? A: Unfortunately, no. Termites remain hidden on the inside of the wood as they do damage. For that reason they’re very hard to detect.

Q: How do I know they’re termites not ants? A: They do look very much alike at a distance. But if you look close, the ants have bent antennae and the termite’s antennae are straight. Also, termites have a thick waist where the waist of ants is narrow.

Q: I’ve heard that termites usually infest older buildings. Is that true? A: Termites have no preference for older buildings. They have been found in new buildings four days after construction. Any structure that contains wood is a potential buffet for termites.

Q: How widespread are termites in the U.S.? A: Subterranean termites are common in the southern two-thirds of the U.S., but inhabit the lower 48 states plus Hawaii. Drywood termites are limited to the California coast, the Atlantic Coast, the Gulf Coast, and the desert southwest. There are more termites in Florida than in most other states.

Termite season is approaching. Now is the time to protect your property. The professional Tampa termite experts at Florida Bug Inspectors offer professional termite inspections, a highly effective termite prevention plan and complete termite control. http://www.inspection-termite.com