Subterranean termites live in underground colonies or in moist, secluded areas above ground that can contain up to two million members. The appearance of subterranean termites depends on their caste within the colony. Worker termites are cream-colored and 1/8 to 3/8 inches long, while the soldier termites have powerful mandibles, brown heads, and cream-colored bodies, …
Subterranean termites live underground and build mud-tube tunnels to reach food sources. Like other termite species, they feed on wood and other products containing cellulose. Swarming in the spring, groups of the winged, reproductive subterranean termites will fly off to start new colonies.
Causing over $2 billion in damages every year, subterranean termites are by far the most destructive species of termite — responsible for 95 percent of all termite damage in North America. Capable of collapsing entire buildings, subterranean termites can mean financial ruin for homeowners and businesses. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of these termites work like shears to bite off small fragments of wood, one piece at a time.
There are steps you can take to prevent a termite infestation, including:
Experts also recommend a baiting system as the best way to prevent a termite infestation. Arrow Exterminators offers comprehensive termite control built around the Sentricon system, the world’s most advanced termite protection system. Learn more about our termite prevention.
Because these pests can cause enormous amounts of damage in a short amount of time, it is important to keep an eye out for the signs of an infestation. Subterranean termites can be detected by their cardboard-like excrement called “carton,” which is used to line their mud tubes.
Though voracious, picky subterranean termites feed with the grain of the wood, eating only softwood. Look for their signature tunnels along the wood grain, with only layers of damaged hardwood left behind.
Signs of a later-stage infestation include airborne, subterranean termites that resemble flying ants, but have straight antennae and four wings that are all the same size. After mating, these swarmers shed their wings, leaving behind evidence of their activity. Look for wings near baseboards and around the perimeter of your home to identify if you may have a colony.
If you do spot signs of an infestation, contact us using the form below for a complete termite inspection.
Although not all species of termites need regular contact with the soil to survive and thrive, subterranean termites do, and therefore they live underground. They build their distinctive underground “mud tubes” (sometimes called “termite tubes”) to gain access to food sources and to protect their colonies from the open air. These industrious termites can even build tunnels through cracks in the concrete.
Ah, summer. Sunshine, cookouts, hikes, beach days… and bugs. Lots of bugs. If you’ve ever spent more than five minutes outside and come back covered in itchy welts, you already know why bug spray is a summer essential. But have you ever stopped to wonder, “How does bug spray work?” It’s easy to chalk it …
Did you really soak in the summer if you didn’t have a picnic? There’s nothing better than spending a sunny afternoon outside with some good food and a cold drink. But while you’re focused on firing up the grill and mixing lemonade, some nosy neighbors may be plotting their attack. Pests have a knack for …
If you feel like mosquitoes treat you like their personal buffet while others sit nearby untouched, you’re not imagining things — some people really are more appetizing to mosquitoes than others. These buzzing bloodsuckers may seem random in their attacks, but they’re actually pretty picky. If you’ve tried everything to keep them away but still …
Mon – Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Don’t share your home with pests! Schedule a free inspection with a Stark Exterminators professional.
Get an Stark Exterminators professional at your door stat by locating a service center near you.