Termites are small, but they can cause serious damage to your home—especially in California’s warm climate. If you’re a homeowner in California, understanding the different types of termites is crucial for protecting your property and its value.
These pests silently chew through wood, flooring, and even wallpaper. But here’s the problem: not all termites behave the same way. The type of termites invading your home determines everything—from where they live to how they’re treated.
Knowing the 13 types of termites can help you avoid wasting money on the wrong pest control methods. You may have drywood termites but are treating for subterranean ones—or vice versa. That kind of mistake can lead to massive repair costs.
Action Tip: If your current termite plan isn’t working, you may have misidentified the pest. Learn the differences in this guide to get on the right path.
What Are Termites & Why Do They Love Homes in California?
Termites are wood-eating insects that build massive underground colonies. They love damp, dark spaces—exactly the kind that many California homes unintentionally provide. Septic tanks, crawl spaces, basements, and even untreated wooden decks can attract termites.
Where do termites live?
They live in soil (subterranean), inside walls and beams (drywood), or in decaying, damp wood (dampwood). California’s variety of microclimates—from deserts to coasts—makes it home to many different types of termites.
Why California homes are at risk:
- Warm climate year-round
- High use of wood in construction
- Septic systems and moisture-prone crawlspaces
Knowing what type of termites you’re dealing with is the first step to solving the problem effectively.
How Many Different Types of Termites Are There in the U.S.?
How many types of termites are there? Globally, there are over 2,000 species. In the U.S., there are around 50 types of termites. But when it comes to homes, 13 types of termites cause the vast majority of damage—especially in California.
Voice Search Friendly Q&A:
Q: How many types of termites are there in California?
A: California has about 15-20 termite species, but 13 are the most common and destructive to homes.
What’s the Difference Between Subterranean, Drywood, and Dampwood Termites?
Main Termite Families:
- Subterranean Termites – Live in soil, build mud tubes, and are the most destructive.
- Drywood Termites – Live in dry wood (like furniture, attic beams).
- Dampwood Termites – Thrive in wet, decaying wood often caused by plumbing issues.
Why this matters:
Each type of termites has different habits, colony structures, and treatment options. Choosing the right method depends entirely on identification.
Eastern Subterranean Termites — The Hidden House Wreckers
- Where Found: Soil near the foundation, across the U.S., including parts of NorCal.
- Signs: Mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, discarded wings.
- Risk: Extremely destructive.
As one of the most aggressive types of subterranean termites, they cause more property damage than storms and fires combined each year.
Western Subterranean Termites — California’s Worst Wood Invader
- Location: Found throughout California, especially moist coastal regions.
- Habitat: Thrive near leaking pipes, septic tanks, and poorly ventilated crawlspaces.
Prevention Tip:
Keep firewood, mulch, and landscaping at least 18 inches away from your home’s foundation.
Formosan Termites — The “Super Termites”
- Region: Southern California hot zones.
- Why Dangerous: Form large colonies, chew through wood fast, and are hard to detect.
Q: Which termite eats your home fastest?
A: Formosan termites can destroy structural wood in months, not years.
Desert Subterranean Termites — Thrive in Dry Conditions
- Common In: Inland areas like Palm Springs, Riverside, and San Bernardino.
- Adaptation: Survive with minimal moisture.
What kind of termites live in dry areas?
Answer: Desert subterranean termites are built for the heat and dryness of inland California.
Type 5: Drywood Termites — No Soil Needed!
- Where: Inside attic beams, window frames, and furniture.
- Who’s at risk: Anyone storing wood items in garages or sheds.
Drywood termites fly in, colonize dry wood, and require fumigation in many cases. These are not types of subterranean termites, and so require different treatment.
Dampwood Termites — Attracted to Moisture, Septic Leaks & Crawlspaces
- Infestation Zones: Around septic tanks, downspouts, or drainage failures.
- What Attracts Them: Leaky plumbing, poor yard grading.
This type of termites is often overlooked, but they point to bigger water issues.
Conehead Termites — The Fast Movers
- Origin: First found in Florida but can be transported to California.
- Habits: Move above ground like ants, not underground like typical termites.
They don’t build mud tubes, so they often go unnoticed until serious damage occurs.
Arid-Land Subterranean Termites
- Found in: Desert communities like Palm Desert and Barstow.
- Unique Sign: Infestation in stucco walls or under concrete slabs.
Ideal for those searching: “Do termites live in desert areas?” Yes—this type of termites does.
Nevada Dampwood Termites
- Range: Western U.S., including parts of Northern California.
- Target: Water-damaged wood around leaky showers or outside decks.
Prevention Tip: Replace rotted wood and improve drainage to avoid this type of termites.
Western Drywood Termites
- Risk Areas: San Diego, Santa Barbara, and other coastal cities.
- Damage: Silently chews through beams and decks.
Often requires fumigation. Coastal homeowners should inspect yearly.
Pacific Dampwood Termites
- Found in: Northern California forests and coastal areas.
- Attracted to: Moist crawlspaces and wet framing.
Unlike types of subterranean termites, they don’t need soil contact but love high humidity.
Subterranean Termite Soldiers & Swarmers
- Why It Matters: These castes indicate what stage the infestation is in.
- Swarmers: What most people see in spring.
- Soldiers: Protect the colony but also signal deep infestation.
Know the difference:
Seeing swarmers near windows? It’s time for a full inspection.
Invasive Exotic Termites
- New Threats: Species arriving due to climate shifts and shipping containers.
- What to Do: If you spot termites you can’t identify, contact a licensed termite control expert immediately.
Bonus: Quick ID Table for All 13 Types of Termites
| Termite Type | Size/Color | Where Found | Nest Type | Damage Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Subterranean | Light brown | Soil, mud tubes | Subterranean | Fast |
| Western Subterranean | Dark brown | West Coast soil | Subterranean | Very Fast |
| Formosan | Yellowish-brown | Southern CA | Subterranean | Extremely Fast |
| Desert Subterranean | Light beige | Inland CA | Subterranean | Moderate |
| Drywood | Light brown | Furniture, attic beams | Drywood | Moderate |
| Dampwood | Tan to dark brown | Wet wood near plumbing or septic leaks | Dampwood | Slow-Moderate |
| Conehead | Brown | Above ground structures | Above ground | Fast |
| Arid-Land Subterranean | Cream-colored | Desert areas | Subterranean | Moderate |
| Nevada Dampwood | Reddish | Northern CA | Dampwood | Slow |
| Western Drywood | Dark brown | Coastal homes | Drywood | Fast |
| Pacific Dampwood | Brownish | North Coast, humid areas | Dampwood | Moderate |
| Subterranean Castes | Varies | All California regions | Mixed colony | Depends |
| Invasive Exotic | Unknown | Imported wood, unknown regions | Variable | Variable |
How to Tell Termites from Carpenter Ants
- Carpenter ants have bent antennae and narrow waists.
- Termites have straight antennae and thicker waists.
Why it matters:
Treating carpenter ants as termites—or vice versa—wastes money and doesn’t fix the issue.
Actionable Tips for California Homeowners
- Fix any leaky pipes or septic issues.
- Keep landscaping trimmed and firewood raised.
- Get a professional termite inspection every year.
Conclusion: Which Type of Termite Do You Need to Watch For?
Every California homeowner faces unique risks based on location and property type. But no matter where you live, the first step is knowing the different types of termites.
Ignoring termite signs can lead to massive repair bills and even structural collapse. Stay proactive, stay informed.
Don’t wait until you see the damage.
Schedule a home termite inspection today with a licensed California pest control expert and protect your biggest investment—your home.
FAQs
Q: How many different types of termites are there?
A: There are over 2,000 worldwide, but about 50 in the U.S. We’ve listed the 13 types of termites that matter most for homes.
Q: Which types of termites live underground?
A: Subterranean termites like Eastern, Western, and Desert species build underground colonies.
Q: Can I have more than one type of termite at once?
A: Yes, some California homes host both subterranean and drywood termites at the same time.
Q: What are signs of termite infestation?
A: Mud tubes, discarded wings, hollow-sounding wood, and droppings.
Q: How do I get rid of termites?
A: Professional extermination based on the termite type. Drywood termites often need fumigation, while subterranean termites require soil treatments.