SUBTERRANEAN TERMITE IDENTIFICATION & PREVENTION

(Reticulitermes flavipes)

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What are subterranean termites?

Nesting and moving through the ground, subterranean termites have taken advantage of the benefits of underground living. These social insects live under the ground to protect themselves from predators and unfavorable weather conditions. The damp soil also provides the moisture that these termites need to thrive.

Subterranean termites feed on the cellulose found in wood and other plant life. As one of the few species able to do so, they play an essential part in the ecosystem, helping to rid the ground of decaying vegetation. But subterranean termites are one of the most destructive termites to have in our yards as they can easily invade and damage wooden structures on our Texas properties.

A group of Subterranean Termites on a wooden surface in Tarrant County, TX.

Are subterranean termites dangerous?

People rarely come into contact with subterranean termites, which means that termites are not directly dangerous to us. However, they are very dangerous to our structures. When termites find a way into the wooden structures on our properties to gather food for their colony, the damage they cause can be quite extensive and costly for home and business owners in Texas to repair.

Why do I have a subterranean termite problem?

Subterranean termites most likely have become a problem on your property because it offers them reliable food sources. These termites live together in large colonies; a single colony can have tens of thousands to millions of termites. Feeding such a massive colony takes a lot of work, and worker termites are always out and about searching for food.

Subterranean termites prefer wet, decaying wood and wood making direct contact with the ground. Fallen tree limbs, tree stumps, fencing, garden sheds, and decks are places termites gather food for their colony.

Where will I find subterranean termites?

For their survival, subterranean termites must maintain their moisture needs and are rarely above the ground; unlike ants, you will not see worker termites traveling across your lawn or walkways.

You can find subterranean termites in the following places:

In their underground nest
Traveling through the soil
In a piece of wood, they are feeding on
Inside a mud tube they created to travel safely above the ground

The exception to the rule of termites not being seen by people is reproductive termites. Reproductives termites are winged males and females that swarm from a mature termite colony to find a mate and create a new colony. People often see the termite swarm itself or the aftermath – piles of discarded wings.

How do I get rid of subterranean termites?

Termites are destructive, difficult to eliminate pests that require fast action to minimize the damage they are allowed to inflict on your property. Partnering with a local pest professional is the best way to solve your Texas property's termite problems. At Trees Hurt Too, Inc., we understand the stress that a termite infestation can cause and will work with you to eliminate them from your yard.

Using fewer pesticides than most companies and using green products, we strive to solve pest problems in an environmentally-friendly manner. To learn more about our effective termite control services or to schedule a free consultation, give us a call today and speak with one of our helpful professionals!

How can I prevent subterranean termites in the future?

Limit the chances of your yard becoming a home to subterranean termites with the following prevention tips:

Clean up your yard of any debris like woodpiles, fallen trees, or tree stumps.
Don't allow leaf piles or weed piles to build up on your property.
Replace moisture-retaining wood mulch with a non-organic material in landscaped areas.
Remove older, untreated, or decaying wooden structures from your property, such as fences, decks, porches, playsets, sheds.
Make sure gutters are working correctly to direct rainwater away from your home and make sure your yard has good drainage.
Fill in low-lying areas that collect water on your property.