The most common termite in the United States, and Georgia, is the Eastern subterranean termite, or Reticulitermes flavipes. This termite species is usually most active during the spring, but they are also active in the summer. Eastern subterranean termites eat the internal parts of wood, especially the spring wood section. These termites usually avoid summer wood, which is the outside layer of annual ring and usually tougher than spring wood. After Eastern subterranean termites are done foraging, the damaged wood has the appearance of a honeycomb, since the summer wood was not touched. Eastern subterranean termites live in dark, moist habitats.
Native to China, the Formosan subterranean termite, or Coptotermes formosanus, is an invasive species in Georgia. This species was introduced to the southern United States in the mid-20th century. According to the University of Georgia, the populations of formosan subterranean termites have increased since 2000. The University also claims that this termite species is one of the most destructive in the world for homeowners and is even able to chew through electric cables. Each Formosan subterranean termite colony grows to include more than one million specimens.
Although West Indian drywood termites, or Cryptotermes brevis, are named after the Caribbean Islands, the University of Florida claims that this termite species is from the Eastern Hemisphere. West Indian drywood termites were introduced to the United States in the early 20th century, via ships at Key West, Fa. This termite thrives in the states of the southeastern United States, including Georgia, since it prefers hot and humid climates. Unlike subterranean termites, West Indian drywood termite colonies live completely in wood, obtaining water from the wood's fibers. In Georgia, these termites are only found in the Atlantic Coast region of the state.
The largest group in termite colony casts are the workers. Worker termites causes the most damage to wood. These termites are small and have creamy, brown complexions. Worker termites are also wingless, blind and unable to reproduce. Soldier termites defend the colony from predatory insects, especially ants. These termites may be identified by their heads; subterranean termites have large rectangular heads, while West Indian termites have plug-shaped heads. Swarmer termites have wings and are responsible for spreading the population of the termite colonies. This termite finds mates to start a new colony; subterranean termites fly during the day, while West Indian swarmers fly at night. Queen and king termites are responsible for the reproduction of termite colonies. The queen termite is the largest specimen in the colony, due to its large abdomen.