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Which Termite Is the Worst? A Breakdown of the Most Destructive Termites in San Jose

Man in striped shirt, looking worried, against yellow background with bold text: "Which termites are the worst?" Mood: thoughtful.

Not All Termites Are Created Equal


In the San Jose area, we typically encounter two major types of termites—and one is clearly worse than the other when it comes to sheer destruction.

Let’s break it down.


Close-up of subterranean termites on wood, with a bold yellow border. Text reads "Subterranean Termites." Brown and white earthy tones dominate.

1. Subterranean Termites: The Most Destructive


These termites build massive colonies underground and connect to your home using mud tubes. Once inside, they can:


  • Hollow out beams from the inside

  • Move across floors and up into walls

  • Do significant damage in a matter of months



Why they’re the worst:

  • They’re stealthy

  • They feed 24/7

  • They often go undetected until major repairs are needed

Subterranean termites cause an estimated $5 billion in damage annually across the U.S.


Two drywood termites on rugged wood with a bright yellow border. Text: "DRYWOOD TERMITES" in bold yellow. Close-up perspective.

2. Drywood Termites: Sneaky But Slower


Drywood termites don’t need soil. They:

  • Live directly inside the wood they consume

  • Often enter through attic vents, roof gaps, or exposed wood

  • Spread slowly but can remain hidden for years


Why they’re still dangerous:

  • They’re silent

  • They leave behind frass (droppings) and hollow beams

  • They often require tent fumigation to fully eliminate



Honorable Mention: Formosan Termites

Luckily, these hyper-destructive termites aren’t yet widespread in Northern California—but if they appear in the future, they’ll outpace both drywood and subterranean types.



TL;DR:

  • Subterranean termites are the most destructive species in San Jose homes

  • They live in soil and tunnel into wood undetected

  • Drywood termites are slower but harder to spot

  • Subterranean colonies can contain millions of workers

  • Drywood termites often infest attics, rafters, and rooflines

  • Identification matters—treatment varies by species

  • Professional inspections are required to determine the type and extent of infestation



FAQ

Q: What kind of termite do I have? 

A: Only a licensed inspector can confirm, but signs like mud tubes suggest subterranean, while droppings or swarmers in attics point to drywood.


Q: Which termites require fumigation? 

A: Drywood termites are usually treated with fumigation. Subterranean termites are treated with soil-based termiticides or bait stations.


Q: Are Formosan termites in San Jose? 

A: Not yet. They’re more prevalent in the southeastern U.S., but awareness is growing on the West Coast.

Q: Which termite causes the most damage the fastest? 

A: Subterranean termites. Their underground colonies and 24/7 feeding habits make them especially destructive.



Not Sure Which Termite You’re Dealing With?

Good Sense Termite provides expert inspections to identify termite species and recommend the right treatment—before the damage worsens.

 
 
 

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