Asian Subterranean Termites

What do Asian subterranean termites look like?

The appearance of Asian subterranean termites varies based on where the termite falls in the colony’s caste system. 

Worker termites are a creamy white color and almost translucent. They are the smallest members of the colony. 

Soldier termites in an Asian subterranean termite colony are larger than the workers and darker in color. 

The reproductive termites are the largest members of the colony, growing to about half an inch in length. They have dark bodies and long wings that they shed after mating.

‍

How are they different from Eastern subterranean and Formosan termites?

Asian subterranean termites are closely related to Eastern subterranean termites and Formosan termites. There are few differences between the species, especially between Asian subterranean termites and Formosan termites. 

When it comes to appearance, the only way to tell Asian subterranean termites apart from Formosan termites is to inspect them under a microscope. Asian subterranean termites have one hair on their fontanelle, while Formosan termites have two. Asian subterranean termites also tend to be browner, while Formosan termites are more yellow.

In all of the important ways, such as how their colonies work, the number of eggs the queens can lay each day, and how destructive they are, Asian subterranean termites are extremely similar to Formosan and Eastern subterranean termites. Although Formosan termites are considered the worst termites in the area, the truth is that you do not want any of these termites getting into your house.

Are Asian subterranean termites dangerous?

Like other termites, Asian subterranean termites are not dangerous to your health. However, the damage they cause to structures can be quite significant. They eat cellulose found in wood, so when they enter your home, they will eat away at your house's beams, framing, and other critical structural components. Over time, these materials can become so damaged that they become in danger of collapse.

Do Asian subterranean termites cause structural damage?

Asian subterranean termites do cause structural damage. When they enter your home, they will eat away at the wooden structures inside your house. Although damage caused by termites will be minor at first, these pests can do their work in secret, allowing them to cause a lot of damage over time without being noticed. 

Furthermore, as long as termites are in your home, the colony will continue to grow, as will their need for food. An Asian subterranean termite queen can lay up to 1000 eggs per day, which means that the longer an infestation is allowed to remain, the more widespread the damage will become at an increasing rate of speed.

Where do Asian subterranean termites nest?

Asian subterranean termites nest underground in the soil. They require moisture, which they get from the ground, and cellulose to survive. When they enter your home, they eat away at the wooden structures to fulfill that need.

What attracts Asian subterranean termites?

Asian subterranean termites are attracted by moisture and water-damaged and rotting wood. If your house is humid, has leaking pipes, or has other moisture issues, it will attract Asian subterranean termites.

How can I tell if I have an Asian subterranean termite infestation?

Asian subterranean termites stay out of sight the vast majority of the time. This makes spotting an infestation difficult. You must actively look for signs of termites to identify their presence. Some signs of an Asian subterranean termite infestation include:

• Seeing a termite swarm. Asian subterranean termites typically swarm between February and April. They come out in the open in a very large group and leave behind their shed wings before returning underground. You have a termite infestation if you see a swarm or their left-behind wings.
• Finding mud tubes. These are most often found along foundation walls and are about the width of a pencil.
• Noticing damage to wooden structures in or around your house. If you can easily break the wood apart or cut into it to see inside, you’ll notice what looks like waffling or tunnels in the wood.
• Finding bubbling paint or wallpaper, buckling floors, sagging ceilings, or windows and doors that are difficult to open or close.

If you notice any of these signs, contact Anti-Pesto right away.

Can I get rid of these termites myself?

Termites cannot be eliminated through DIY methods. Not only are effective termite control products not available over the counter, but most methods require specialized training. 

What’s the best way to eliminate Asian subterranean termites?

The best way to eliminate Asian subterranean termites is with professional termite control. Anti-Pesto offers termite control services tailored to your termite problem. We have the training, skill, and experience to correctly identify the type of termites in your home and deliver the treatments necessary to eliminate the infestation. 

How can I prevent an Asian subterranean termite infestation?

The best way to prevent Asian subterranean termites from getting into your house is to use a two-fold approach. First, you must eliminate as much moisture in and around your house as possible. A dry environment with low humidity will make your home less appealing to these pests.

Next, we recommend ongoing termite protection from Anti-Pesto. A home not protected with 24/7 preventative services is at risk of a termite infestation, even if you’ve taken your own preventative measures. With Anti-Pesto, you won’t have to worry about a termite infestation because we’ll protect your home. Get in touch with us today.