The most common termite species in Jordan

There are three different types of termites: subterranean termites, dry wood ants, and Dry Wood ants.​

1. Subterranean Termites

This type of termite lives in underground colonies or in isolated moist areas above ground where they can contain up to 2 million ants. This type of termite builds its nests in the soil and builds distinctive mud channels to reach food sources and to protect themselves from the outer air.

Size: The size of a subterranean termite depends on its group. The workers are one-eighth to three-eighths of an inch long. As well as the soldiers, but with larger heads and a stronger lower jaw. Those in the reproductive group are about 1 inch long..​

Color: Similarly, subterranean termites vary in color by group. The workers have a pale cream color, as well as soldiers, but with brown heads. Those in the reproductive group have brown or black color..​

2. Formosan Termites

Formosan termites are the most voracious and aggressive of the more than 2,000 species of termites and they are always hungry and just want a great source of food. The colony's soldiers, who search for the wood, chew, and digest, feed the entire colony through a process called trophallaxis. The digested material is taken out to be eaten by the rest of the soldiers in the colony. This species organizes itself into huge underground colonies, building complex mud nests that enable it to maintain the temperature and humidity of its environment.

Size: About half an inch long, including wings.​

Color: It is yellowish brown.​

3. Dry Wood Termites

As in other species of termites, dry wood termites are organized into a caste system. Once the queen finds a good place for a colony (often in wooden structures), she chooses a mate or king and begins laying eggs. The eggs hatch and join the working caste that eats and destroys the wood and cares for the rest of the colony. Like other types of termites, this species eats cellulose found in wood and plants, and unlike subterranean ants, this species builds its nests in wood and not in soil. This is what makes wooden structures so attractive to them. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not need moist soil or nearby water to reproduce. These termites are often found in dry wood above ground level because they do not need water. The wood they eat provides the moisture they need to survive.

Size: Soldiers are usually three-eighths of an inch in length. Reproductive are one-half of inch in length.

Color: Dry wood termites are usually pale brown, although they can vary between dark brown and light yellowish. It has wings that can be clear or dark gray in color. Dry wood ants usually have the color of the wood they eat.

Signs of termites

1. Small holes in the wood​

2. After swarming, termites usually leave some of their wings behind. There may also be many black or brown dead termites.​

3. Thin channels of mud

4. Termite dry wood droppings​

5. A change in the shape of the wood surface ​

6. Dry wood ants leave mounds of waste that look like sawdust or coffee grounds.​

Important information!

You should pay close attention that the termites that emerge from the surrounding areas of the house, such as tree trunks and wooden piles, does not indicate that your home is infested with these insects from the inside.​

But if you find winged termites near the foundation of the house or adjacent porches, there is a high chance that your house will be infected with this insect. Hence treatment in this case is necessary.

How to get rid of termites ?​

There are several ways to get rid of termites by applying termite treatment , but the most effective way is contacting a pest control company. Termites must be treated by trained specialists, as the wrong way to treat them may lead to their spread and exacerbate the infestation. Some common ways to get rid of termites include:​​​

1. Using of liquid termite pesticides either by spraying or by injecting the pesticide into the ground​

2. Treating termites with powder​

3. Treating termites with gel​

4. Treating termites with foam​

To learn how to apply the above methods, watch the following video:​

Watch Video

Termite Prevention Tips !

1. Before construction, get rid of any cellulose materials and plant residues in the land that you will build on.

2. Let the specialists examine and inspect the land and treat it in case of injury, before you start building your property.

3. Use termite-resistant wood in areas where the wood must be in contact with the ground.

4. During and after construction, keep the soil around the foundation dry by monitoring drainage, checking, and maintaining pipes and drains, and keeping the site free of moisture.

5. Ensure that there is adequate drainage surrounding the foundation of the site.

6. Try to reduce as much as possible the openings that allow termites to reach the building structure by sealing cracks in the cement foundations.

7. Fix leaks immediately.

8. Make sure you are not planting trees and plants near the building structure and do not allow them to grow on wooden surfaces.

9. Remove cellulose materials such as sawdust and wood within 25 feet of the site.