Subterranean Termites

What Do Subterranean Termites Look Like?

Subterranean termites are small, pale insects, usually creamy white to light brown in color. Workers have soft bodies, lack wings, and measure less than a quarter inch long, while winged subterranean termites signal early infestation. Workers consume wood and build the colony’s tunnels, and the queen subterranean termite lives for several years, laying thousands of eggs to grow the colony.

Different types of subterranean termites, such as the Eastern subterranean termite and the Formosan subterranean termite, vary slightly in size and coloration, but all display a uniform body shape and segmented antennae. Swarmers, often mistaken for flying ants, emerge during warmer months, signaling a nearby subterranean termite infestation. Observing signs such as subterranean termite tubes along walls, moisture-damaged wood, or discarded wings can help homeowners identify the presence of subterranean termites in their house before severe damage occurs.

How Greenhouse Gets Rid of Subterranean Termites

At Greenhouse Termite and Pest Control, we provide comprehensive subterranean termite control using proven, targeted methods. Our process begins with installing Sentricon in-ground termite stations around the perimeter of your home to attract foraging workers. Termites carry the bait from these stations back to the colony, killing both workers and the subterranean termite queen, reducing the population, and stopping further subterranean termite infestations.

In addition to in-ground stations, we also deploy above-ground termite stations in areas where subterranean termite tubes or mud tunnels have been observed. These stations target termites actively feeding in walls, crawl spaces, or other hidden areas. Our technicians inspect and treat subterranean termite mud tubes, which are evidence of colony activity, ensuring that workers cannot continue to damage wood or spread the infestation. By combining Sentricon treatment with professional monitoring, Greenhouse provides effective subterranean termite treatment that protects homes from future subterranean termite damage and keeps colonies under control.

Close of image of solider subterranean termites eating away at wood.

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A salmon colored circle with a dark green leaf and a highlighter green drawing of an ant.

Subterranean termite workers and a soldier termite on wood

Do Subterranean Termites Swarm?

Yes, subterranean termite swarmers, also called winged subterranean termites, emerge during warm months to mate and establish new colonies. These swarms are often one of the first signs of a nearby subterranean termite infestation and can be observed around windows, doors, and lights as the termites take flight. Swarming indicates the presence of a mature colony, often led by a queen subterranean termite, and signals the need for immediate subterranean termite treatment.

Swarming behavior varies by species, with Eastern subterranean termite swarmers typically emerging in spring and Formosan subterranean termites capable of multiple swarms annually in warm climates. Even though subterranean termites fly, only the swarmers have wings – the workers and soldiers remain wingless and continue feeding on wood. Recognizing subterranean termite swarmers and understanding their life cycle is crucial for timely subterranean termite control and preventing extensive subterranean termite damage in your home.

Are Subterranean Termites Hard to Get Rid Of?

Yes, subterranean termites can be very difficult to eliminate due to their hidden nature and large colony sizes. A single colony may include hundreds of thousands of workers, soldiers, and winged subterranean termites, making complete eradication challenging without professional subterranean termite pest control. Homeowners attempting DIY methods may fail to reach the entire colony, allowing the subterranean termite queen to continue reproducing and sustaining the infestation.

The tunnels and subterranean termite tubes that termites build through soil and wood make detection even harder. Both Eastern subterranean termites and Formosan subterranean termites are aggressive feeders, capable of consuming wood and cellulose rapidly. Because of the termites’ ability to remain hidden and the potential for severe subterranean termite damage, professional guidance in getting rid of subterranean termites is highly recommended to ensure the infestation is completely eliminated.