When it comes to household pests, few are as feared as termites. Among termites, subterranean termites are the most destructive species in the United States. These tiny pests can cause significant damage to the structure of your home, often without you even realizing there’s a problem until it’s too late.
If you’ve noticed signs of termites or simply want to protect your home, understanding subterranean termite treatments is crucial to prevent costly problems down the line. In this article, we’ll explore how to identify, treat, and prevent infestations of subterranean termites, as well as how they differ from other termite species like drywood termites.
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What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are insects that live in large colonies underground and feed on wood. In the United States, several species of subterranean termites exist, with the most common being the Eastern Subterranean Termite and the Formosan Subterranean Termite. These termites are particularly active in warm, humid climates but can be found in various regions across the country.
Behavior of Subterranean Termites
A key feature of subterranean termites is their need for moisture to survive. This is why they build their colonies in the soil and create mud tubes to move between the soil and food sources, like the wood in your home. This means that while you may not see termites directly, they can be actively working underground or within your walls.
Subterranean termites feed on cellulose, a component found in wood and other building materials. Over time, their feeding can severely weaken the structure of a building, making these pests a serious threat to homeowners.
Differences Between Subterranean and Drywood Termites
One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “What is the difference between subterranean termites and drywood termites?”
- Drywood termites live inside the wood itself and do not require contact with the soil. These are more common in coastal and warmer areas.
- On the other hand, subterranean termites build their colonies underground and access wood from the ground up.
Let’s break down the differences further:
- Subterranean termites vs. drywood termites: Subterranean termites need soil contact to get the moisture they require to survive, whereas drywood termites live entirely within the wood and do not need soil contact.
- Drywood termites vs. subterranean termites: Drywood termites typically infest wooden furniture or structural timber, but subterranean termites are more aggressive and can quickly devastate an entire structure.
Other common species of termites in the USA
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Dampwood Termites Treatment
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Treating Drywood Termites
The Dangers of Subterranean Termites in the United States
An infestation of subterranean termites can be catastrophic. According to estimates from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), homeowners in the United States spend around $5 billion annually on repairs due to termite damage. That’s an enormous amount! But how can these tiny insects cause such devastation?
How Subterranean Termites Destroy Homes
Subterranean termites cause damage by feeding on wood and other materials that contain cellulose. Over time, their feeding weakens the wood, making your home’s structure vulnerable. The worst part? Termite damage often goes unnoticed until the infestation is severe.
These termites create mud tubes to travel between their colony in the soil and the wood they’re feeding on. While these mud tubes are a clear sign of a termite infestation, they can be difficult to detect if they’re hidden in your basement, crawlspace, or even within the walls of your home.
Subterranean Termites Swarmers: How They Spread
If you’ve ever seen a swarm of winged termites around your home, you might be witnessing a reproductive event. Subterranean termite swarmers are reproductive termites that leave their colony in search of a new place to establish a nest. This is often a sign that a colony is nearby, and it’s time to take action.
If you spot subterranean termites swarming in or around your home, it’s important to contact a pest control professional immediately. Swarmers are one of the most visible signs that termites are either already present or about to become a major issue.
Subterranean Termites Treatments: Professional Solutions
Once subterranean termites invade, it’s not a problem you can easily fix on your own. These pests require a specific set of treatments to effectively eliminate the colony and protect your home from future infestations. Here’s a look at the most common and effective subterranean termite treatments.
Chemical Treatments for Subterranean Termites
The most common treatment for subterranean termites involves chemical barriers, also known as termiticides. These chemicals are applied to the soil around your home, creating a barrier that prevents termites from entering the structure. Treating subterranean termites with termiticides is effective because it targets the colony directly, killing the termites as they come into contact with the treated soil.
- Subterranean termite treatment cost varies based on the size of the infestation and the method used, but the peace of mind knowing your home is protected is invaluable.
Subterranean Termite Baits
Another popular treatment for subterranean termites is baiting. Termite bait systems involve placing bait stations around your home that attract termites. Once the termites feed on the bait, they carry the poison back to the colony, effectively eliminating the entire colony over time.
- Treating subterranean termites with bait stations can be less invasive than chemical treatments and is a long-term solution for protecting your home.
Fumigation for Subterranean Termites
While fumigation is more commonly associated with drywood termites, in severe cases, fumigation may be necessary for subterranean termites as well. This process involves sealing your home and releasing a gas that penetrates the walls, floor, and foundation to eliminate termites.
Why Professional Pest Control is Essential for Treating Subterranean Termites
While DIY treatments for termites may be tempting, they are rarely effective. Termites are persistent and can often re-infest a home if not properly treated. Professional pest control companies have the expertise and tools necessary to ensure that the entire termite colony is eliminated and that your home is protected in the long term.
By investing in subterranean termite treatments from a licensed pest control professional, you can rest easy knowing your home is safe from future infestations. They can also provide regular inspections to monitor for any signs of termites, ensuring that any issues are caught early.
Preventing Future Infestations of Subterranean Termites
After you’ve dealt with an infestation, prevention is key. Subterranean termites are relentless, and even if you’ve successfully eliminated a colony, others may still pose a threat.
Subterranean Termites Treatment and Ongoing Maintenance
Regular maintenance and preventative measures are crucial for keeping termites away from your home. This may involve treating the soil around your home with termiticides periodically or using bait stations as a long-term preventative strategy.
- Protecting your home from subterranean termite swarmers is especially important during the spring and summer months when termites are most active.
Regular Inspections
Regular termite inspections should be part of your home maintenance routine. Professional pest control experts can spot early signs of termite activity before they become a major problem. By catching the issue early, you can avoid extensive damage and costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Subterranean Termites Treatments
Should I worry about subterranean termites?
Absolutely. Subterranean termites are among the most destructive pests in the U.S., responsible for billions of dollars in damage every year. These termites can silently destroy your home’s structural integrity by feeding on wooden elements such as beams, foundations, and supports. If left untreated, an infestation can compromise your home’s safety. Early detection and regular inspections are key to preventing significant damage. Additionally, professional subterranean termites treatments are necessary to fully eradicate the infestation and protect your home in the long term. If you live in an area prone to termites, particularly in warmer, more humid climates, it’s crucial to stay vigilant.
What is the difference between termites and subterranean termites?
All termites can cause damage, but subterranean termites are distinct because they live in the soil and require moisture to survive. While drywood termites nest directly in the wood they infest and don’t need ground contact, subterranean termites travel through underground mud tubes to reach food sources (wood). This makes subterranean termites harder to detect and more dangerous, as they can create hidden tunnels that stretch far from their colony, giving them access to parts of your home you might not expect.
How do you control subterranean termites?
Controlling subterranean termites typically requires professional treatment, which may include:
Chemical barriers: These are applied around your home’s foundation to prevent termites from entering. The chemicals kill termites on contact or when ingested.
Baiting systems: These use poisoned bait that termites carry back to the colony, gradually eliminating it.
Soil treatment: Applying termiticides directly to the soil where termites live can create a long-lasting defense.
It’s important to note that DIY methods are often ineffective. Professional pest control experts will assess the infestation and recommend the most effective treatment for your situation.
How long does it take subterranean termites to destroy a house?
The amount of time subterranean termites take to cause significant damage depends on factors like the size of the colony, the type of wood, and the climate. In severe cases, a large colony can consume significant portions of wood in as little as 6 months to a year. However, the structural integrity of a home can be compromised throughout 2 to 5 years if left unchecked. Without timely subterranean termites treatments, these pests can compromise load-bearing structures, making the damage costly to repair. Regular inspections and early intervention are essential to prevent extensive damage.
Can a house be saved from termite damage?
Yes, most homes can be saved from termite damage if the infestation is caught early enough. Once the termites have been treated and eliminated, repairs can be made to damaged structures. However, if the damage is extensive, particularly in load-bearing parts of the house, the cost and complexity of repairs will increase significantly. This is why early detection and professional treatment are crucial. After treatment, preventive measures should be put in place to ensure termites do not return.
How deep in the ground do subterranean termites live?
Subterranean termites typically live in colonies 4 to 18 inches below ground, but in ideal conditions, they can establish colonies as deep as 20 feet below the surface. They build intricate tunnel systems, allowing them to move undetected beneath the soil. These tunnels give them access to your home’s foundation, making it important to treat not just visible areas, but also the soil around your home.
What are the signs of subterranean termite swarmers in my home?
Subterranean termite swarmers are reproductive termites with wings that leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. Signs of a swarm in or around your home include:
Seeing winged termites near windows, doors, or light fixtures, especially during the spring and summer.
Finding discarded wings around entry points, as swarmers lose their wings shortly after swarming.
Mud tubes on your home’s foundation, which termites use to travel between the soil and wood.
Swarmers inside your home indicate that termites may already be established. In such cases, it’s essential to act quickly and arrange for subterranean termites treatments from a pest control expert. The sooner you respond, the better chance you have of minimizing damage and stopping the infestation before it spreads further.
Is there a difference between Eastern subterranean termites and Formosan subterranean termites?
Yes, there are significant differences. Eastern subterranean termites are the most common type found in the U.S. and are widely distributed across the eastern and central states. They tend to be slower in causing damage but can still create extensive structural harm if left untreated.
Formosan subterranean termites, on the other hand, are much more aggressive and destructive. Originally from Asia, they are now found in parts of the southern U.S., particularly in states like Florida, Texas, and Louisiana. Formosan termites can form larger colonies and cause damage much faster than their Eastern counterparts. Their ability to chew through wood, plaster, insulation, and even thin metals makes them a serious threat to structures.
How much does subterranean termite treatment cost?
The cost of subterranean termite treatment depends on the size of the infestation, the method of treatment, and the size of the property. On average, treatments can range from $500 to $2,500 or more. Chemical treatments and barrier applications tend to be on the lower end, while more comprehensive methods like baiting systems and fumigation will be more expensive. It’s essential to factor in regular maintenance and inspections to ensure that the termites don’t return.
Though the upfront cost might seem high, investing in professional treatment is far more affordable than repairing severe structural damage caused by termites. Always ask for multiple quotes and ensure the pest control company offers a guarantee or follow-up plan.
What is the best time of year to treat subterranean termites?
The best time to apply subterranean termites treatments is in the spring and summer when termites are most active, and termite swarmers are likely to appear. This is also when the reproductive termites leave the colony in search of new nesting sites, making it an ideal time to set bait traps or apply chemical treatments. However, preventative subterranean termites treatments can be applied year-round, especially if you live in areas with warm climates where termites remain active for extended periods. Regular maintenance and early intervention are key to ensuring termites don’t become a long-term issue.
For more information on pest control for other household pests, consult reputable sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local pest control professionals.