Subterranean termites are the most destructive kind of termites. They come into homes from deep underground to eat away at just about any kind of wood they can find. They have large colonies with a queen, king and thousands of workers. Subterranean termites are found mostly in Hawaii, Gulf Coast states (such as Texas) and Southern California. They dislike colder climates, so most other states in the US are not affected by these destructive pests. Subterranean termites are unique from other termites in that they build muddy looking tunnels and travel through them until they enter your home to eat through the wood they find (they will also feed on paper, fiberboard and even some fabrics). These tubes connect their nests in the soil to the wood in structures (like the foundation of your home) and can extend for 50-60 feet. They often enter a structure through expansion joints in concrete slabs or where utilities enter the house. Subterranean termite kings and queens have a white appearance as pictured above (A). Image (B) shows subterranean termites in their "winged reproductive" stage.
How to Detect if you Have a Subterranean Termite Infestation
1. If you see termites flying around it does not necessarily mean that you have an infestation - but it could. This factor alone is a good reason to have a termite inspection in your home.
2. If you notice piles of wings then definitely call the exterminator.
3. Mud tubes: Subterranean termites don't hide their mud tubes. In fact, they can be seen on the exterior concrete walls of your home, on the basement ceiling, in the attic or anywhere else in your home. Take notice and conduct a visual inspection on your own if you suspect termites. If you find even one small mud tube, make sure you have a professional inspection to find out just how complex the problem is.
4. Damaged wood: If there is any area which you suspect has been invaded by termites, you can perform a quick check of the wood to see if it has been invaded and damaged. The first step is to knock on the wood. If it is hollow, then it's a sign of termite invasion. The next step is to test it with a screwdriver. If a screwdriver tip easily enters the wood then it's clearly been eaten away by termites.
How to Kill off Subterranean Termites:
The key to killing off subterranean termites is using termite baits. Termite baits work to kill off the entire colony and not just termites on the surface, as a spray insecticide would. The problem with baiting is that it can take 6 months or longer to work because termites must actually take the bait and bring it back to the colony. It can also take much shorter than 6 months. Termite baits don't contain a special formula to attract the termites, which could mean that they don't even go to the bait. But if the baits are strategically placed by a pest control expert, then the termites will take it and bring it back to the colonies. It may take a few times of placing and replacing the baits to finally kill off all the termites.
