Subterranean Termites

About Subterranean Termites

Subterranean Termites can be found in All 50 States. They live in underground colonies or in moist secluded areas aboveground that can contain up to 2 million members.  Subterranean termites swarm in the spring, when groups of reproductive termites go off to start new colonies. Termite colonies are organized into castes depending on tasks — workers, soldiers and reproductives. The characteristics of a subterranean termite are dependent on the termite’s role in the colony. Cream-colored Worker subterranean termites are 1/8 to 3/8’s of an inch in length. Soldier subterranean termites are of a similar body length, but are distinguished by their powerful mandibles. Solider termites have cream-colored bodies and brown heads. Reproductive subterranean termites are approximately one inch long.

Subterranean Termites Habitat

Subterranean termites need contact with the soil to survive and live underground. They can build tunnels through cracks in concrete. Subterranean Termites build distinctive “mud tubes” to gain access to food sources and to protect themselves from open air. They live underground and build tunnels, referred to as mud tubes, to reach food sources.  Like other termite species, they feed on products containing cellulose.

Subterranean Termites Threats

Subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species. They can collapse a building entirely, meaning possible financial ruin for a homeowner. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of subterranean termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.

Subterranean Termites Treatment and Pest Control

To prevent Subterranean Termites Treatment, avoid water accumulation near your home’s foundation. Divert water away with properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Reduce humidity in crawl spaces with proper ventilation. Never bury wood scraps or waste lumber in the yard. Most importantly, eliminate wood contact with the soil. Maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building.

If you suspect or have a subterranean termites problem, tent fumigation is not an option because they live underground. Your pest control company should leverage Liquid Convention Subterranean Termite Treatment, and put in place preventative subterranean termite measures such as bait and Border Alert Termite Monitoring.