Identification
Subterranean termites are creamy white to dark brown in color, depending on their caste. Workers are about 1/8 inch long, soldiers have larger mandibles, and reproductive termites (swarmers) are dark-colored with wings. They have six legs, straight antennae, and soft bodies. These termites are widespread, particularly in warm, humid regions.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Subterranean termites undergo incomplete metamorphosis with three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Queens lay thousands of eggs annually, and nymphs develop into workers, soldiers, or reproductive termites. Swarmers leave the colony to start new ones, usually in spring or summer. Colonies can survive for years, continually expanding.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
These termites live in underground colonies and travel through mud tubes to access food sources. They primarily consume cellulose-based materials, such as wood, paper, and plant matter. They are highly destructive and work silently, making infestations hard to detect until significant damage occurs.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Subterranean termites thrive in moist environments and are commonly found:
- Beneath foundations and inside wooden structures
- In crawl spaces and basements
- Inside wooden fences and decks
- Near tree stumps and mulch beds
- Around leaking pipes and water-damaged wood
Threats & Danger
Subterranean termites cause extensive structural damage by feeding on wooden elements of buildings. They can weaken support beams, floors, and walls, leading to costly repairs. Their activity often goes unnoticed until severe deterioration occurs.
Prevention
- Eliminate moisture sources by fixing leaks and improving drainage
- Store firewood and wood debris away from the home
- Use termite-resistant materials during construction
- Seal foundation cracks and entry points
- Regularly inspect for mud tubes and damaged wood
Signs of Infestation
- Presence of mud tubes on walls, foundations, or crawl spaces
- Hollow-sounding or damaged wood
- Discarded wings from swarmers near windows and doors
- Small piles of termite droppings (frass)
- Buckling or blistering wood structures
How to Get Rid of It
- Apply liquid termiticides or bait stations around the foundation
- Remove infested wood and replace with treated materials
- Use beneficial nematodes or borate-based treatments
- Maintain regular termite inspections by professionals
- Seek professional pest control for severe infestations