SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES AND DRYWOOD TERMITES

WHAT ARE SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES?

Subterranean termites can cause the most damage of any termite species. These termites build distinctive tunnels, often referred to as “mud tubes,” to reach food sources and protect themselves from open air. They eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using their saw-toothed jaws to bite off small fragments of wood one piece at a time. 

Over time, subterranean termites can critically damage a building structure, sometimes causing a total collapse. Subterranean termites threaten homeowners across the country.

WHAT DO SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES LOOK LIKE? 

There are three distinct types, or castes, of subterranean termites with physical differences, including reproductives, workers and soldiers.  

The reproductives include the king, queen and alates. Integral to a colony’s growth, the queen is the largest termite while the king is much smaller. Alates, also known as swarmers, have long, dark brown to almost black bodies and translucent, slightly milky-colored wings. 

Their bodies typically measure about ¼ to ½ inch in length and their wings may have a few barely visible hairs. Unlike swarmers, workers and soldiers do not have wings. Workers are about ¼ inch or less in length are have cream colored bodies. They have small jaws that help them chew away at wood and move materials. Soldiers can be distinguished by their large mandibles. 

Although their body is usually a creamy white color, similar to workers, their head is darker and more brownish in color.  

SIGN OF INFESTATION

Subterranean termite infestations can occur on the inside or exterior of the home. There are several telltale signs of a termite infestation. 

One sign is the presence of mud tubes on the exterior of the home. Mud tubes look like long tunnels made of wood and soil, which the termites construct to protect them from drying out as they travel. 

Other signs of a subterranean termite infestation include soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped, darkening or blistering of wood structures, uneven or bubbling paint, and small piles of feces that resemble sawdust near a termite nest. 

Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills also indicate that swarmers have entered and infested the home.

Source: PestWorld.org 

SIGN OF INFESTATION

Because they live in the wood they excavate, it can be difficult to identify when drywood termite treatment is necessary. Swarms of termites or discarded wings are a common sign of an infestation, especially near light sources. 

Drywood termite droppings are another telltale sign. Drywood termite droppings look like small mounds of tiny pellets that are also called frass.

HABITS

Drywood termites form colonies of up to 2,500 members. Unlike subterranean termite species, drywood termite colonies do not have a worker caste, as the work is done by immature termites before they reach adulthood. 

You may see drywood termite swarmers on sunny, warm days after a sudden rise in temperature. 

Drywood termites infest dry wood, like that found in attic framings. They can be transported to new locations via an infested piece of furniture, a picture frame, etc. 

Drywood termite swarmers can also extend infestations to new locations.

THREATS

Drywood termites can chew through almost anything made of cellulose, including support beams, floors and walls, causing expensive home repairs. 

HOW TO GET RID OF DRYWOOD TERMITES

Drywood termites form new colonies by gaining access to wood through small holes or crevices. 

To prevent needing a drywood termite treatment, you should seal all cracks and crevices in a structure. 

Early detection can also save you a lot of headaches, so be sure to look out for drywood termite droppings and discarded wings. 

Because this pest can quickly overtake your home, it’s important to act fast if an infestation is suspected. 

To proactively prevent these devastating pests, schedule annual professional termite inspections for your home. If you suspect an infestation, contact a licensed pest control professional to determine the extent of the problem and develop an appropriate drywood termite treatment plan.

Source: pestworld.org