Termites are fascinating creatures that play an essential role in the balance of nature. But Termites are also one of the most common pests found in homes. Most people know that they can cause significant damage to a home, but many don’t know much more than that about these little creatures. In this post, we’ll discuss subterranean termites—the most common type of termite— and provide some tips for preventing and dealing with an infestation
What is a Subterranean Termite?
Subterranean termites are a type of social insect that live in colonies. The colony is divided into workers, soldiers, and reproductives. Workers are the smallest class and are responsible for the day-to-day tasks of the colony, such as foraging for food, caring for the young, and building and repairing the nest. Soldiers defend the colony from enemies, and reproductives are responsible for mating and creating new colonies.
Subterranean termites are different from other termites because they build their nests underground. They also have different physical features, such as being darker in color and having straighter antennae. And unlike most other termite species, the reproductives of this species do not have wings. Colonies can range from about 300 up to several thousand foraging tunnels.
The subterranean termites’ natural habitat is wet tropical regions; however, they are also found throughout the United States and Canada. The eastern region of North America is home to the most severe subterranean termite infestations. These termites are a serious threat to homes and other man-made structures, as they can cause significant damage to wood, paper, and other cellulose-based materials.
Signs of Subterranean Termite
Termites are small, hard-bodied insects that feed on the cellulose in wood. While they are not necessarily harmful to humans, they can cause a lot of damage to homes and other structures. Therefore, if you think you may have a termite infestation, it is essential to identify the signs to get help.
One of the most obvious signs of a termite infestation is the presence of mud tubes. These are small, tube-shaped structures that termites build as they travel between their nest and the food source. If you see these tubes, you will likely have an infestation and should call a professional immediately.
Another sign of a termite infestation is sooty mold. This black mold grows on the back of leaves and wood due to the fungus that develops after termites have fed on it. It may cause damage to structures but not harm people or pets.
If you notice other signs such as swarming insects, loose wings around windowsills and doors, and damaged wood around window and door frames, you may have a termite infestation. Call your local pest control company immediately if you notice any of these signs or see mud tubes. This will help prevent the damage to your home from getting worse.
How to Get Rid of Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are wingless, soft-bodied social insects found in the soil beneath homes and other buildings. The colonies of these insects reach tremendous sizes, with hundreds or even thousands of workers per colony. They feed on wood, cellulose, paper, and other things that contain sugar.
To prevent subterranean termite problems in your home, it is essential to be aware of any visible signs of termites. Important areas to check for signs of subterranean termites include the exterior foundation walls and corners of your home, under decks or porches attached to the home, around utility pipes coming into the house, around water meters to see if any mud tubes are leading up from the ground to any level of the home, and in crawl spaces.
If you should suspect you have an underground termite problem, it is important to seek the help of a qualified pest control professional. They will properly identify the problem and recommend the best course of action for treatment. Treatment options include using liquid termiticides or baiting systems.
The best defense against subterranean termites is to prevent them from ever entering your home or business. In addition, the use of an excellent preventive treatment program will keep the population of subterranean termites at bay, resulting in an infestation that can be treated and controlled on an as-needed basis. Preventive treatments for subterranean termites include:
- Physical Barriers – designed to stop termites from ever entering the home. They include copper wire mesh, steel flashing, foundation vents with stainless steel screening, plumbing pipe collars, or baseboard heaters into which no wood framing is built.
- Chemical Barriers – treatment that is put in place around the foundation of the home. The chemical barrier will kill any termites that come into contact with it, preventing them from entering the home.
- Non-Repellent Termiticides – type of chemical barrier that termites cannot detect. This means they will walk over the treatment and cross through it without hesitation. Non-repellent termiticides provide long-term control, as termites will continue to contact the barrier for years.
If you’ve found subterranean termites in your home, contact a professional to eradicate them. These pests can do significant damage when undetected for too long and cause costly repairs. The sooner they are eliminated, the less likely it is that they will be able to wreak havoc on your home or property.