Active Seasons
Subterranean Termite Appearance and Size Facts
Subterranean termites are commonly found in Florida, and nearly every other U.S. state except Alaska. They’re known as one of the most destructive types of termites, causing billions of dollars’ worth of damage nationwide each year.
If you suspect you’re dealing with subterranean termites, look for these traits:
- Varying in color, either cream, yellow, or dark brown
- Anywhere from 0.125 inches to 0.3 inches long, as small as some ants
- Straight antennae, “soldier” termites have enlarged heads
- Known to swarm, typically around spring or summer
Identifying Subterranean Termites From Other Termites
The simplest way to distinguish between different types of termites is to observe their nesting behavior. While drywood termites nest in the wood they feed on, subterranean termites nest underground, building mud tunnels to travel above ground. Drywood termites are also typically larger than their subterranean relatives, up to one inch in length.
We provide termite treatment for subterranean termites in the following locations and their surrounding areas:
Types of Subterranean Termites
Behavior and Habitat of Subterranean Termites
Like all termites, subterranean termites feed on cellulose, a substance found in wood. Since subterranean termites live underground, it’s rare to see them above ground, except for on the occasion that they swarm, which typically occurs in the spring or summer. You’ll usually see termite swarms when conditions are moist, such as after a rainstorm. Termites gravitate toward light, so you may see them next to light fixtures or windows.
Signs of Infestation of Subterranean Termites
Some signs of a subterranean termite infestation include:
- Swarms in the spring or summer
- Termite tubes near your foundation or wooden structures, which may look like caked mud from a distance
- These tubes are commonly made of mud and look like brown lines
- Piles of termite wings
- Sagging or buckling of hardwood flooring
- Wood damage beneath wallpaper
- Hollow-sounding walls
Tips for Prevention of Subterranean Termites
Preventing termites is quite difficult, as they find their way into as many as one in five American homes. Warm, humid climates, like those in Florida and other southern states, can contribute to termite infestations. However, you can still take a few steps to make your home unattractive to termites, such as:
- Keep wooden compartments of your home 12 inches above the soil.
- Keep foundation areas well ventilated and dry.
- Avoid placing wood near your foundation.
- Store all chopped firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
- Ensure all plants are at least one foot from your home’s walls.
- Check wooden fencing for rot and treat the wood to prevent infestations.
- Avoid all wood to ground contact such as decks and fences
- Avoid standing water near your foundation or within your crawlspace
- Ensure any siding or stucco terminates above the soil line
- Resolve any leaks such as water intrusion from sinks, plumbing, windows, doors, or roofs
Getting Rid of Subterranean Termites
If you think you may have termites, you’ll need to enlist the help of pest control professionals like those at Hulett. Preventative measures can help you prevent infestations but won’t eliminate the current termite problem. Since termites can cause catastrophic damage quickly, we don’t recommend letting the infestation worsen by waiting to get help.
Effective Termite Control Solutions
Hulett has been providing effective termite control in Florida for over 50 years. We have professional, effective termite solutions to help you take back your home and prevent further damage.
We use Sentricon termite baiting methods to help wipe out subterranean termites at their source—underground. Beyond one-time treatments, we also offer a termite warranty for ultimate protection. Schedule your free inspection today and gain the help of trusted Florida pest control professionals. If you’d prefer to speak with someone sooner, feel free to give us a call!