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What Are Subterranean Termites

What Are Subterranean Termites

There are many types of termites, but the most common is the subterranean termite. Because they can develop their colonies in damp regions, they are protected from harsh temperatures while allowing for growth. In this blog, we will discuss the types of subterranean termites, what they look like, and how to identify them.

What Exactly Are Subterranean Termites?

As the name implies, subterranean termites live underground and cause the most damage. These termites dig out of the way mud tubes to get to their food and stay dry. They devour wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, biting off little chunks of wood one at a time using their saw-toothed teeth.

Subterranean termites can severely destroy a building structure over time, causing it to collapse. Subterranean termites are a menace to homeowners across the country, as they may be found in every state except Alaska.

What Do Subterranean Termites Look Like?

Subterranean termites are classified into three categories, or castes, based on their morphological characteristics: reproductives, workers, and soldiers.

The reproductives are comprised of the king, queen, and alates. The queen is the largest termite and is essential to the growth of a colony, whereas the king is much smaller. Swarmers, or alates, have lengthy, dark brown to virtually black bodies and translucent, slightly milky-colored wings. Their bodies are normally 14 to 12 inches long, and their wings may have scarcely noticeable hairs.

Workers and soldiers, unlike swarmers, do not have wings. Workers are roughly 14 inches long or less and have cream-colored bodies. They have short jaws that allow them to chew wood and move items.

Soldiers are identified by their big mandibles. Their heads are rectangular, while their bodies are flat and wide. While their bodies are often a creamy white tint, similar to workers, their heads are deeper and more brownish in appearance.

Signs Of An Infestation

Infestations of subterranean termites can develop both inside and outside the home. There are various indicators of a termite infestation. The existence of mud tubes on the house’s façade is one indication. Mud tubes resemble long tunnels formed of wood and soil that termites build to keep themselves from drying out as they travel. 

Getting Rid of Subterranean Termites

Prevention is the most effective way of subterranean termite management. Because these pests love moisture, they don’t accumulate water near the foundation. Downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks should drain water from your home. Proper ventilation will reduce crawl space moisture. Never bury scrap wood in the yard. To prevent termites, seal foundation cracks and fissures. Most crucial, keep a one-inch gap between the earth and the wood.

Conclusion

Don’t worry if you see damage typical with termite activity, such as sawdust heaps around your home or cracks emerging in drywall; you can still rescue your home. Professional aid is the best way to safeguard your property from subterranean termites. At Vinx Pest Control, we have the tools and expertise to identify, prevent, and treat termite damage. Contact us today for more information on our services or to schedule an inspection!