The termite subterranean variety is a termite that lives underground or in very moist and secluded areas above ground and can be found in both the Eastern and Western parts of the United Sates. They often have several million members in their colony.

picture of subterranean termites

These termites are distinct in that they build structures that look like mud tubes. They create these mud tubes so that the worker termites can easily reach food and protect themselves from open air. That is why when these pests are found by homeowners they soon will need some type of subterranean termite treatment.

As with most termites they feed on cellulose. It is in the spring when Formosan subterranean termites swarm and also when groups of swarmers go off and begin starting  new colonies.

What separates this termite species from others, like the drywood, is that they need soil to survive and live underneath the ground. They have the ability to build tunnels through cracks in concrete and that is one of the main reasons why this type of termite is the most destructive and damaging to buildings.

They have the ability to take down an entire building and are quite adaptable to their surroundings. They have jaws that are extremely sharp; so sharp that they act like bite-sized shears and are able to bite off tiny pieces of wood, one bite at a time.

So, before extensive damage occurs to your home or business building it is a good idea to put in place some time of termite control and prevention plan.

To prevent this pesky pest from destroying a building one must keep any water from accumulating near the building. Water can be diverted away from a home by ensuring that there are downspouts, splash blocks and gutters that are functioning well.

In addition, if you use mulch, ensure that it is not in contact with the foundation of the home. It is also important that the exterior wood of the home be at least six feet above the ground. Make sure that the soil and mulch be pulled away from the home in order to protect the wood from contacting the ground.

One way to get rid of the subterranean termite is by using a soil treatment. This is where you treat the soil under your home and all around the structure.

It is suggested to use a liquid spray when working this method. Examples of liquid sprays for this kind of control are Termidor SC or Premise 2 Termiticide. This kind of treatment should begin from the outside and work toward the inside because the termites make their entrance from the outside. This type of termite prevention is extensive and time-consuming and is often best left to professional exterminators.

Underground Bait Hit

Additional Information From The Web

Apt Pest And Termite Control

For example, a predominant method for likely pest termite control are bait traps. These are ideal for little or new colonies. Essentially, worker termites challenge the trap plus its slow acting out poison gradually spreads.

Termite Farmers

Worker termites then gather fungus and plant it in the opening of the combs. Later they place chewed wood particles on the fungi. The wood is then digested by the fungus and turned into carbohydrates that flow out the bottom of the comb.

New Assay Helps Track Termites, Other Insects

An Agricultural Research Service (ARS) developed method to safely and reliably mark termites and other insects over vast acreage so their movements can be tracked is just as effective as the previous method-and more affordable. That’s according to recently published research by ARS entomologist James Hagler. 

Top 7 Tips to Spot Termite Damage

If you see termites in your home, it is very likely that a termite infestation has already occurred. Look for insects that are white in color and do not have wings. Worker termites are usually well hidden in wood.

What Every Homeowner Needs To Know About Subterranean Termites

Soldier and reproductive termites fall in between and help support the entire system with the former fighting off predators such as ants. Worker termites, the last group, consume wood and provide food for the rest of the termite colony.

Insect of the Day: Eastern Subterranean Termites

Whether a termite remains a worker or becomes a specialized soldier can occur as late as the third moult of the insect. However, whether a termite is going to be a reproductive or not is usually determined as early as the initial moult.

Termite Detection and Control with Termite Stakes

The wood in the termite stake is replaced with a wood block treated with termiticides or insect growth regulators. These are slow acting pesticides that do not kill a termite immediately.

The Differences Between Dampwood and Drywood Termites

Another difference between the two is that drywood termites do not have “worker” termites in their colonies. Younger reproductive and soldier termites serve as workers until they reach maturity.

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