Subterranean Termites: Interesting Facts
Subterranean termites cause more damage to homes in the Bryan/College Station area than any other insect. RP Lee Termite & Pest Control offers several options for Subterranean Termite Treatment, Subterranean Termite Prevention, and Subterranean Termite Monitoring Systems.
Identification
Subterranean termites are social insects that live in nests or colonies in the soil, hence their name “subterranean.” These colonies contain three forms or castes: reproductive’s, workers and soldiers. Individuals of each caste have several stages: the egg; the larva that develops into a pseudergate and eventually into a nymph or soldier; and the adult. Reproductive adults have three forms: primary, secondary and tertiary reproductive.
The map above shows the areas of infestations in the US. As you can see the subterranean termites originally found on the cost areas in Texas, but are moving more and more north and west in Texas.
Biology & Habits
After a termite colony matures, which requires from 2 to 4 years, swarmers are produced. Swarming usually occurs from January through April, during the daylight hours, usually after a rain. Environmental factors such as heat, light and moisture trigger the emergence of swarmers.
Subterranean termites derive their nutrition from wood and other material containing cellulose. Paper, cotton, burlap or other plant products often are actively attacked and consumed by termites. Subterranean termites cannot digest cellulose directly. Worker termites and older nymphs consume wood and share their nourishment with the developing young, other workers, soldiers and reproductive’s. Termites are an important part of our ecological system as they infest dead wood, break it down, and deposit it back in the ground to allow new growth to take place. The only problem is they don’t know the difference between a dead stump outside of a home and the wood supporting a home.
Termites are very attracted to odors of wood-decaying fungi that, through the decay process, make the wood easier to penetrate. In some instances, the fungi provide a source of nitrogen in the termite diet.
Moisture is important to subterranean termites, which have very little resistance to dehydration. To survive, they must maintain contact with the soil (their primary moisture source) or other above-ground moisture sources, such as in structures with defective plumbing or guttering.
Subterranean termites also must protect themselves from temperature extremes and attack by such natural enemies as ants and other insects. Termites foraging for food above ground protect themselves with shelter tubes, which are sometimes called mud tubes.
This construction material also is found lining the galleries built in wood being attacked and aids in identifying termite-damaged wood. Shelter tubes often are used to bridge masonry or other objects, allowing termites access to a food source, such as wood, above ground.
Damage
Dead trees and brush are the original food source of subterranean termites. When land is cleared of this material and houses are built on these sites, termites attack the structures. Termites can enter buildings through wood in direct contact with the soil, by building shelter tubes over or through foundations, or by entering directly through cracks or joints in and under foundations.
Signs of Infestations
Swarmers:
Generally, the first sign of infestation noticed by homeowners is the presence of swarming reproductive’s on window sills or near indoor light. Swarmers inside the house nearly always indicate an active infestation in the structure. The presence of swarmers outdoors is a natural phenomenon, but should warn that termites are near and possibly attacking a nearby building.
Wings:
Another indication is the presence of wings, discarded by swarmers as a normal part of their behavior, found near emergence sites, on window sills or in cobwebs. Infestations also can be detected by the presence of shelter tubes going up the sides of piers, utility entrances or foundation walls.
Damaged Wood:
Wood damage often is not found initially, but it definitely indicates termite infestation. Any wood-to-soil contact is a potential site of entry into a home. Careful probing of suspected areas with a sharp, pointed instrument such as a screw driver will disclose termite galleries or damage.
We recommend yearly inspections on homes that are over 6 years old or homes that have been treated for termites before. Termites are a huge problem in our area so call RP Lee Termite & Pest Control today for a complete inspection for all wood destroying insects.
