SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
Subterranean Termites are the most destructive insect pests of wood in the United States.
They cause billions of dollars in damages to homes every year. Homeowners in all areas of
Texas should watch for subterranean termites and take precautions against infestations.
Active termite infestations can be difficult to detect. To find out if you home is infested, your
home should be checked for swarmers, mud tunnels or damaged wood inside or around
your homes structure.
They cause billions of dollars in damages to homes every year. Homeowners in all areas of
Texas should watch for subterranean termites and take precautions against infestations.
Active termite infestations can be difficult to detect. To find out if you home is infested, your
home should be checked for swarmers, mud tunnels or damaged wood inside or around
your homes structure.
- Swarmers - Swarming termites inside your house usually indicates a termite
infestation. Termite wings may be found on windowsills or stuck to cobwebs.
- Mud Tunnels - Mud tunnels found on areas such as foundation walls and slabs may
be a sign of termite infestation. You can use a screwdriver to break open the mud
tunnels to inspect them for live termites.
- Damaged Wood - Wood damage may be a positive indicator of current or past
termites. This damage is usually confined to the soft, spring-growth of the wood.
Termite tunnels and galleries tend to follow the wood grain and are lined with mud or
may have apale, spotted appearance resulting from soft fecal material on the tunnel
surface.
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Subterranean termites are social insects living in colonies in the soil. This is where they get
their name "subterranean". Termite colonies are made up of three cast members.
Reproductive, workers and soldier are needed to form a successful colony.
Primary reproductive termites are called swarmers or alates. They are black to a
yellowish-brown in color and are about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. Wings are pale to light brown.
Secondary reproductive termites are replace primary termites when needed, like when a
queen is injured or dies. They are white to a cream color and may have short wing buds.
Termite workers make up the largest group within a colony. Workers are wingless,creamy
white and about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. They are responsible for feed others, grooming the
queen and creating nest and tunnels.
Soldiers resemble workers in color and appearance except they have a larger brownish head
with strong mandibles or jaws. They are the protectors of the colony, mainly against ants.
their name "subterranean". Termite colonies are made up of three cast members.
Reproductive, workers and soldier are needed to form a successful colony.
Primary reproductive termites are called swarmers or alates. They are black to a
yellowish-brown in color and are about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. Wings are pale to light brown.
Secondary reproductive termites are replace primary termites when needed, like when a
queen is injured or dies. They are white to a cream color and may have short wing buds.
Termite workers make up the largest group within a colony. Workers are wingless,creamy
white and about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. They are responsible for feed others, grooming the
queen and creating nest and tunnels.
Soldiers resemble workers in color and appearance except they have a larger brownish head
with strong mandibles or jaws. They are the protectors of the colony, mainly against ants.
