• Subterranean termites are common in Arkansastermites image by Christophe Fouquin from Fotolia.com
  
  According to the State of Arkansas in their Termite and Other Structural Pest Control Training Manual, there are now three major kinds of termites in Arkansas; subterranean, dry wood and damp wood. Another species, Formosan termites, are in neighboring states and, while not confirmed in Arkansas, are expected. In a natural setting, termites perform a valuable service, breaking down fallen wood. Not only do they help return the wind fall branches and dead fallen trees to enrich the soil, they lower the potential for fire damage to the living forest.
  
  

Subterranean Termites

• Subterranean termites are the most common termites in Arkansas. They live in the soil throughout the state, and often enter homes by making clay tubes that run from the soil up the side of the foundation. They have three "castes": reproductives, workers and soldiers. The reproductives swarm in the spring and can be distinguished from swarming ants by their thick waists. Workers are sensitive to dry conditions outside the nest and will dry out if exposed to the air for a length of time. Soldiers, as befits their name, guard the colony.
  
  

Dry wood termite

• Dry wood termites, not a native species, are less common than subterranean termites. They are most often found in dry sound wood in places like attics. Their colonies grow more slowly than those of subterranean termites. However, because they nest in sound wood, the nests are less likely to be detected quickly and they can cause considerable damage before they are found.
  
  

Damp wood termites

• Damp wood termites, are not native to Arkansas, but are occasionally found there. As they like their nests in damp locations these termites do not usually nest in buildings. However, if they do become established, damp wood termite colonies can spread to sound wood. Unlike subterranean, and dry wood termites, which are almost white, damp wood termites are pale cinnamon brown in color. In their native environment they prefer decaying wood in wet situations.
  
  

Formosan Termites

• Formosan termites entered the United States after World War II. There are no records of them being officially confirmed as established in Arkansas, however they have been sighted in Louisiana and Texas, and it can be assumed they are on their way. They are larger than subterranean termites, which they resemble. Formosan termites establish larger colonies, are more aggressive than subterranean termites and differ in several other ways. In appearance, they are pale yellow, with hairy wings and the soldiers' heads are more oval. They have another interesting characteristic, where the native termites live in tunnels, either in earth or wood, the Formosan termite constructs hive structures from a hardened paper-like substance. These may be in the ground or in wood, the customary nesting places of the native species. The nest may also be in hollow trees, spaces between joists in homes, or in hollows in the ground.