Subterranean Termites
Reticulitermes flavipes
Facts About Subterranean Termites
With jaws like saws and teeth like knives, subterranean termites won’t just come out of the woodwork--they are the woodwork. They’ll chew and chew until they’ve had their fill, and they’re never full. If you don’t catch these munching maniacs quickly, they have the potential to collapse your home and cost you more than a money tree.
Damage Caused By Subterranean Termites
Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage throughout the United States every year. A single termite colony can consume as much as seven pounds of wood in a year. These pests can not only damage the wood in your home, but potentially make your house structurally unsafe.
Subterranean Termite Infestation
You’ll want to be checking your pipes for any leaks, air conditioning units, and other places where moisture will collect or drain. Always inspect your woodpiles too. This is a subterranean termite’s favorite snack and they will want to eat as much as they can. In fact, it is so popular among these termites that anything made out of wood has the the potential to harbor between a few hundred to a few thousand of these insatiable insects.
Termites will feed all day, every day. Anything that has cellulose inside is a perfect snack for them. In the wild, termites are actually considered beneficial. The byproducts termites produce after feeding becomes organic matter that creates healthy soil.
Types of Subterranean Termites
Subterranean Termite Identification
Subterranean termites are tiny, soft insects with dull white, brown, or black bodies. They’re tiny, too, measuring only ⅛ of an inch long. Any areas that are filled with junk or moisture will be harboring these harmful hellions.
Subterranean Termites In The House & The Garden
There are a few key signs that you have subterranean termites. The biggest indicator is a swarm of winged termites clustering around your windows or doors. You may also notice small piles of “sawdust”, fecal pellets secreted by termites after digesting the cellulose from wood. Other signs include tiny holes in wood, “bubbles” on wood from termite tunnels built near the surface and mud-like tubes along the wood and foundation that allows termites to get enough moisture as they travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you prevent a subterranean termite infestation?
There are a few things you can do to prevent termites from invading your home. Remove moist and decaying organic debris from your property. Firewood is a common target for termites, storing it off the ground will help keep these pests from attacking it. Trim bushes and shrubs so they aren’t touching your home, overgrown landscaping makes it easier for termites to access your house. Fix any leaks or areas of excess moisture within your home and landscape so that water flows away from the foundation of your house. Line the foundation of your home with stones or gravel (about 18 inches wide) that separates vegetation from the house. Lastly, seal any cracks in the foundation.
What are the Benefits of Professional Subterranean Termite Pest Control?
A pest management professional has the education, equipment and skills necessary to effectively address a subterranean termite problem. Finding and treating the subterranean termites can be challenging, especially if they are spread throughout your yard. A pest management professional provides their expertise to identify the pest problem and determine the best possible solution to resolve the subterranean termite infestation.
