February 2012 Pest Of The Month
Subterranean Termites | "The Hidden Invaders"

: see: Feb. 2013 Subterranean Termite's for more info

What are Subterranean Termites & what causes them?

Subterranean termites are social and live in colonies and are by far one of the most destructive termites. Those colonies are composed of workers, soldiers and reproductive kind of like ants and can contain up to 2 million termites. Subterranean termites often have large swarms from January through May. Smaller swarms can occur throughout the summer and fall months.
(photo to the left courtesy of: USDAGov on Flickr, Photographer: Scott Bauer)

These Subterranean termite infestations and big colonies can collapse a building; their hard, saw toothed jaws allow termites to bite off small pieces of wood, one-piece at a time.

There are three types of termites that reside in Florida and the most destructive and most encountered kind found throughout North Florida is eastern subterranean termites. They are called Subterranean Termites because they nest in the soil. According to UF they can attack structures by building tubes that connect their nest to wood in structures. On average each colony has an average of 300,000 termites and the queen can add 5,000 to 10,000 eggs a year!

Jump to sections: Symptoms | Habitat | Helpful Links

More Photos:

Pictures (left to right): USDA.gov, Charles & Clint on Flickr, Photographer: Clinton & Charles Robertson, USDAGov on Flickr, Photographer: Scott Bauer

Symptoms & Identification:

General Symptoms:

Termite swarming
Translucent wings shed by reproductive subterranean termites during swarming
Mud tubes (dirt colored)
Wood damage

Termites are often hard to spot and detect, however you may be able to see a winged reproductive termite, mud tubes and wood damage when dealing with subterranean termites.

Below are some excellent videos of swarming subterranean termites:

Termite Swarm

Swarming Termites

The winged reproductive are usually swarming or seen during the springtime and during daylight. This is usually the first thing someone see's when they have a termite problem. They are easily distinguished from flying ants by their thick waist, straight antennae and wings of equal size (UF). Their wings break off after flying and seeing these wings is another indication of a termite colony nearby.

Mud tubes are built by subterranean termites to protect them from low humidity and predators. Mud tubes are usually 1/4" to 1" wide. Termites use these mud tubes to get food and for protection from open air.

Wood damage by subterranean termites can often go unnoticed because you must remove the exterior wood to see the damage caused by these pests. Wood damage by termites can also be found by tapping the wood every few inches with a screw driver; if it sounds hollow or if the screwdriver breaks through the wood there may be a termite infestation. Unlike other termites, subterranean termites do not push wood particles or pellets to the outside and they use it for building their tunnels. (UF)

If your house is on a concrete slab, cracks in the slab and places where pipes and utilities go through should be examined for mud tubes. Cracks in a concrete foundation and concrete blocks can be entries for subterranean termites.

If you have problems with termites give us a call today at (386) 362-3887 and let one of our pest specialists handle it.

Habitat & Favoring Conditions:

Termites are attracted to the light. Subterranean termites feed on wood and other items that contain cellulose. Sometimes they feed on the roots of shrubs or trees (Termidor). They nest in the soil to obtain moisture and nest in wood that is often wet. Subterranean termites often attack wood that is attached to the ground. If the structure is not on the ground, subterranean termites can build a mud tube in excess of 50-60 feet above ground to reach the wood and attack cracks and crevices within the dwelling to enter the house (UF).

Once a termite colony is built, reproductive subterranean termites will go off and find a new place to start new colonies. In order for termites to survive they need contact with the soil (NPMA). Subterranean termites often have more than one colony in a single building (Termidor).

If you have problems with termites give us a call today at (386) 362-3887 and let one of our pest specialists handle it.

Content by Melissa Lee