Subterranean termites are very harmful insects that can cause serious damage to wooden buildings. They live underground in large colonies and are capable of causing serious structural damage before a homeowner even realizes there is a problem.
Unlike drywood termites, which live inside the wood, subterranean termites create nests in the soil and use mud tubes to reach wooden structures. This behavior makes them especially challenging to detect and control, which is why professional subterranean termite treatment is often necessary.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what subterranean termites are, how they live, what signs to watch for, and how to protect your property from them.
How Subterranean Termites Cause Damage
Subterranean termites mainly eat cellulose, which is the key part of wood. They gain access to homes through cracks in the foundation, expansion joints, or direct contact between wood and soil. Once they get in, they dig tunnels and eat the wood from the inside.
Over time, their feeding weakens beams, flooring, and other critical elements of a building. Since the damage occurs internally, surfaces may look intact even when the inside is severely compromised. By the time visible signs of subterranean termites appear, a significant amount of structural damage may already have occurred, making professional subterranean termite control essential.
Note: Trust K Termite for professional termite control with safe, effective treatments that protect your home long-term.
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Signs of Subterranean Termite Activity
Homeowners should remain vigilant for early signs of subterranean termite infestations. Some of the most common indicators include:
- Mud tubes: Pencil-sized tunnels made of soil, often found on foundations, walls, or crawl spaces. Termites make these tubes to stay safe as they move between their nest and food.
- Swarming: Winged reproductives emerge in large groups, usually in spring, to form new colonies. Finding discarded wings near windows or doors is a strong indication of termite activity.
- Damaged wood: Wood that feels hollow when tapped or breaks easily could be eaten from the inside.
- Blistered paint or uneven surfaces: Moisture buildup caused by termites can make paint bubble or wood surfaces appear warped.
Spotting these signs early can help limit the extent of damage, but subterranean termites are known for working quietly and effectively, making professional inspection the safest route.
Tip: Protect your home with a FREE termite inspection from K Termite. Our experts check for signs of activity and provide solutions to keep your property safe.
Subterranean Termite Characteristics
Subterranean termites are small, soft-bodied insects, usually creamy white to dark brown in color. A single colony can range from thousands to millions of termites, each with specific roles.
- Workers: The most common group, responsible for gathering food, building tunnels, and caring for the colony.
- Soldiers: Defend the colony against threats, identified by their large jaws.
- Reproductives (Alates): These are winged termites that fly out of the colony during swarming season to start new colonies.
Their caste system allows them to survive and expand efficiently. Colonies grow rapidly, which is why infestations often spread before detection.
Conditions That Attract Subterranean Termites
Certain conditions around a property can make it more vulnerable to subterranean termite activity. These include:
- Moisture: Leaking pipes, clogged gutters, and poor drainage create damp environments that termites need.
- Wood-to-soil contact: Wood in direct contact with the soil, like posts, decks, or siding, allows termites easy entry.
- Mulch near foundations: Organic mulch retains moisture and can serve as a food source.
- Cracks in foundations: Even small gaps can let termites into a building.
Correcting these problems helps reduce the chance of a termite infestation.
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Prevention Measures for Homeowners
While subterranean termites are persistent, proactive steps can help reduce risks. Some useful measures include:
- Repair leaking pipes and improve drainage around the home.
- Store firewood, lumber, and cardboard away from the building’s foundation.
- Maintain at least a few inches of clearance between soil and wooden parts of the structure.
- Seal cracks in foundations and walls.
- Schedule regular inspections to catch early activity.
Preventive efforts save homeowners from costly structural repairs in the future.
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Treatment Options for Subterranean Termites
Once an infestation is confirmed, treatment for subterranean termites is necessary to eliminate the colony. Methods vary depending on the severity and location of activity:
- Soil treatments: Specialized liquid solutions are applied to the soil at entry points.
- Perimeter treatments: Termite solutions are injected along the entire perimeter of the home. Creating a barrier that subterranean termites can’t cross without perishing.
Selecting the right subterranean termite treatment requires an inspection by professionals who can determine the extent of infestation and recommend the most effective approach.
How K Termite Can Safeguard Your Home from Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites pose a serious threat to any property, but with the right expertise, they can be effectively managed. At K Termite, we provide thorough inspections, multiple treatment options, and in-house carpentry services to repair damaged wood.
Our team focuses on long-term protection, offering strong warranties and a termite protection policy to give homeowners peace of mind.
With our professional approach, homeowners can rely on safe and effective solutions that address both current infestations and future risks. Protecting your home from subterranean termites starts with a trusted inspection from K Termite.
Subterranean termites are hidden threats that cause significant damage by feeding on wood from within. Their underground colonies and ability to remain undetected make them difficult for homeowners to deal with on their own.
By recognizing the signs of activity, reducing conducive conditions, and relying on professional services like K Termite, property owners can protect their homes and avoid costly repairs.