Subterranean termites are by far the most common type of termite, and have been estimated to cause over 90% of all termite damage in the US. They are the most destructive insect pest of wood, causing more than $3 billion of damage each year in the United States. To make matters worse, most homeowners' insurance policies do not cover termite damage. This variety of termite is found throughout the United States with the exception of Alaska and is especially common in the southern and pacific coastal states. While subterranean termites are often found in homes, they actually live in the soil, and return to the soil after feeding on a home. Subterranean termites require moisture to live and will always return to their colonies in the soil.

Wood damaged by subterranean termites is often not noticed because the exterior surface usually must be removed to see the damage.

The Subterranean Termite Colony

 The subterranean termite colony is a highly coordinated system composed of three main varieties: workers, soldiers and reproductives. Each kind has specific responsibilities.

 

Worker Termites

Workers have creamy-white soft bodies and are approximately 1/4 inch long. Worker termites are the type most often seen when active termite damage is discovered. Often they are found still eating on the wood. They have many responsibilities including tunneling, building, feeding and servicing the other termites (reproductives and soldiers). Because they are in charge of providing food to the colony, they constantly forage in search of wood based food, traveling as far as 250 feet from the colony. The other termites in the colony can't forage for food, so they depend upon the worker termites to feed them.

When worker termites find cellulose material, food, they leave a "pheromone," or scent trail to lead other worker termites in the colony to the food that they find. Worker termites enter a home through tiny cracks in the foundation or slab, through utility entry points or anywhere that soil contacts wood. If they can't find an easy entrance point near the ground, they will construct mud tunnels (also called shelter tubes) to access areas above ground. These tubes protect them from low humidity and predators. The tubes are usually
1/4-1 inch wide (about the thickness of a pencil). Homeowners will often find these coming up the side of the house or in the basement or crawl space.
 

Soldier Termites

The soldier's role is to protect the colony from predators, mostly ants. And they are much less common than the workers.
 

Reproductive Termites

Reproductive termites are shiny, dark brown to black in color and approximately 1/4 - 1/2 inch long.

A mature colony will produce new reproductive termites called "swarmers" or "alates." Following a brief flight, the swarmers come to rest, shed their wings and try to find a member of the opposite sex in an attempt to mate and begin a new colony in the soil. Homeowners often see these in the spring and/or fall on a wet, warm day.

Very few swarmers emerging indoors survive to initiate new colonies because they are unable to find a moist location below the soil. A swarm indoors does indicate however that an infestation of the home is present. If you witness a termite swarm in your home or find the small translucent wings, you should have your home inspected to determine the extent of the infestation and the species present in your home.
 

WHERE TERMITES ARE FOUND

Subterranean termites are found in 49 of the 50 states -- everywhere except Alaska -- and cause more than $3 billion in damage annually. Termite damage to new and existing homes costs more than all damage caused by fires, storms, and earthquakes combined.

It has been suggested that there are only two types of homes, those that have termites and those that will have termites in the future. Whether you live in the northern or southern part of the United States, or have a new or old home, your home is a target for subterranean termites. Let Termite Meter provide you with the tools you need for your homes protection.