All areas of North America are subject to infestation and damage from wood destroying insects and organisms in varying degrees. With few exceptions, the common denominator for insect or organism activity is excessive wood moisture levels. This moisture can be due to roof leaks, plumbing leaks, crawl spaces and attics which are not vented properly or as a result of construction deficiencies such as wood-soil contact or other factors. Generally older homes are more susceptible to infestation; however, any house is a candidate if conditions are right.

SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
These insects are the most common and most destructive wood-destroying insects in North America, though the problem is much greater in the United States. The hidden nature of their activity, within the soil or wood, makes them especially difficult to detect. At any time numerous houses are experiencing wood destroying insect attack without any telltale signs of infestation. These insects will build mud tunnels or tubes as a means of transversing between the soil and wood elements. The tunnels are often the only sign of their presence and may extend along the foundation or other obstacles. The presence of wood close to the soil and warm moist conditions is the main attraction. Other indications of an infestation may be the presence of swarming winged termites (reproductives) or the presence of damaged wood sometimes only detectable during remodeling or alterations.

Termites, like ants, are a social, colonizing insect. Within each colony there are various forms including the reproductives (and queen), soldiers and workers. The workers are the ones, which damage the wood and are the most numerous in the colony.

Treatment of these insects usually involves setting up a chemical barrier between the house and soil by injecting appropriate chemicals. Since the insect ultimately returns to the soil, it must eventually pass through this barrier. Conventional treatment measures may not be possible in some cases such as when a well is located within or near the foundation or if the heating system ductwork or piping runs through the slab.

DRYWOOD TERMITES
These insects are commonly found in a narrow band along coastal areas, the mid and southern sections of the U.S., and the southernmost portions of Canada. While occasionally found in other areas, they have not been able to establish themselves as an ongoing threat.

Drywood termites act differently than subterranean termites in that they will attack relatively dry wood anywhere in a structure. They feed and nest within the wood. Signs of their activity include the presence of small piles of pellets or partially digested wood. Because colonies of drywood termites are smaller than subterranean termites, the rate and extent of infestation damage is usually much less.

Spot treatment is possible for limited infestations, however, in more severe cases, tenting of the house and fumigation may be required.

OTHER TERMITES
Dampwood termites are also found in southern areas and attack saturated wood. Formosan termites are very similar to subterranean termites but are more aggressive and may develop even larger colonies. They are just beginning to become a threat in the U.S.

CARPENTER ANTS
The carpenter ant, a large black to reddish-black ant, has become a major infestation problem. It is a foraging insect with increased nocturnal activity. It can nest in old tree stumps or timbers and infest a house as a nuisance pest as it searches for food. It can also nest in the house. Like subterranean insects they are attracted to moist environments, likely to nest in solid wood adjacent to a saturated point. Unlike termites which receive nourishment from the wood, carpenter ants damage the wood solely for nesting purposes.

While they can cause extensive damage, it is generally more localized than termite activity. Also, because of the visible presence of the insect, activity is more likely to be addressed prior to major damage occurring. While treatment for carpenter ants sometimes involves the whole house, in most cases spot treatment, or even simply removing the source of attraction (moisture), will eliminate the infestation.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ANTS and TERMITES
Flying ants and swarming termites are often difficult to tell apart. Termites have relatively straight, beadlike antennae while ants have elbowed antennae. Termites have two pair of wings (front and back) that are of almost equal length. Ants also have two pair of wings but the fore wings are much larger than the hind wings. The abdomen of the termite is broadly joined to the thorax while the abdomen and thorax of the ant are joined by a narrow waist called a petiole.

CARPENTER BEES
This insect is basically a nuisance pest, but if allowed to re-infect the same areas year after year, structural damage could occur. The carpenter bee, a large black and yellow bee similar in appearance to the bumblebee, will channel out a tunnel in wood, usually an exterior trim piece, and deposit eggs. More often than not, when the larva emerge as an adult it will move on to another area. Other than observing the bees hovering near the nest, another indication of concern are 3/8" holes in the trim or staining of the wood under the nest area.

If re-infestation is a problem, spot treatment and plugging the holes is usually all that is necessary. These insects are generally not aggressive but their mere presence may cause some alarm.

WOOD DESTROYING BEETLES
There are numerous types of wood destroying beetles. Some of the more common types include powder post beetles, wharf borers and old house beetles. Each beetle has different physical characteristics such as size, color, etc., and an expert is usually necessary for an exact identification. Older homes are generally more likely to experience infestation, however, it is also possible for the insect to be present in the lumber used for new furniture or new construction, only to emerge at a later date.

Most wood destroying beetles behave in similar fashion. The adult will deposit eggs in cracks or holes in the wood. The eggs develop into the larva stage, which enters the wood and tunnels through as it feeds. After a period of months or sometimes years, the larva will emerge as an adult through exit holes. If conditions remain conducive to infestation, the adults may re-infest the same area and eventually cause structural damage. The sub-grade areas and attic are commonly points of infestation. Evidence of their activity is the emergence holes of the adult and "frass", a fine wood powder, which may fall from the holes. Most signs of their infestation will actually be the result of old activity.

Often spot treatment of the infested area or coating the timber subject to infestation will prevent recurrence. In extreme cases of re-infestation, fumigation may be required.