Subterranean Termites: Characteristics, Identification, and Common Damage

Subterranean termites are among the most destructive species of termites, capable of causing severe damage to homes and other wooden structures. These termites live underground, building extensive colonies and creating hidden tunnels to access wood. Their secretive nature makes them difficult to detect until significant damage has occurred. In this article, we will explore the characteristics and behaviors of subterranean termites, how to identify them, and the common damage they cause.

Characteristics and Behavior of Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are known for living underground and using the soil to build extensive networks of tunnels. They rely on moisture from the soil to survive, and their colonies can grow to be massive, with millions of termites working together to find food sources. This species is responsible for more damage to homes than any other termite species due to their large colony size and their ability to go unnoticed for long periods.

Key Characteristics:

Colony Size: Subterranean termite colonies can grow to include millions of termites, allowing them to consume large quantities of wood in a relatively short amount of time.
Moisture Dependency: These termites rely heavily on moisture to survive. They live underground or in areas where wood is in contact with soil, making them highly dependent on access to damp environments.
Mud Tubes: To reach food sources above ground, subterranean termites build mud tubes that protect them from open air. These tubes are used as highways between their underground nests and the wood they consume.
Worker, Soldier, and Reproductive Roles: Within subterranean termite colonies, workers gather food, soldiers defend the colony, and reproductive termites (alates) leave the colony to form new nests.

Identifying Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites often go undetected because they live underground and enter homes from hidden areas like basements or crawl spaces. However, there are several signs you can look for to help identify a subterranean termite infestation before it causes too much damage.

Identification Tips:

Mud Tubes: One of the most obvious signs of subterranean termites is the presence of mud tubes. These are pencil-sized tunnels made of soil and wood particles that termites use to travel between their nest and food sources. You may find these tubes along walls, foundations, or support beams.
Swarmers (Alates): During the warmer months, reproductive termites, or alates, swarm in search of new nesting sites. If you see winged termites near windows or doors, it may indicate that a subterranean colony is nearby.
Damaged Wood: Subterranean termites typically eat wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin veneer of wood or paint intact. If the wood sounds hollow when tapped, it could be a sign of termite activity.
Presence of Frass: Subterranean termites often push out frass, which is a mixture of wood particles and soil. However, frass is less common in subterranean termites compared to drywood termites, as their nests are often hidden underground.

Common Damage Caused by Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are known for causing some of the most extensive damage of any termite species due to their large colony sizes and rapid feeding habits. Their ability to remain hidden in the ground or within walls makes them difficult to detect until the damage is severe.

Types of Damage:

Foundation Damage: Since subterranean termites enter homes through the soil, they often target wooden structures that are in contact with the ground, such as foundations, support beams, and joists. Over time, this can lead to serious structural issues.
Wall and Ceiling Damage: Once inside a building, subterranean termites can spread throughout the walls and ceilings, eating away at wooden studs, drywall, and even wallpaper. This can lead to sagging walls or ceilings and visible signs of deterioration.
Rapid Spread of Infestation: Due to the large size of subterranean termite colonies, infestations can spread quickly throughout a home. A single colony can affect multiple rooms and areas of a house within months if left untreated.

Preventing and Treating Subterranean Termite Infestations

Due to the destructive nature of subterranean termites, early detection and prevention are key to minimizing damage. Here are some prevention and treatment strategies to protect your home from these hidden invaders.

Prevention Tips:

Eliminate Wood-to-Soil Contact: Ensure that wood structures, such as decks, fences, or foundations, do not directly touch the soil. Use concrete barriers or treated wood to reduce the risk of termite access.
Reduce Moisture: Subterranean termites thrive in damp environments, so make sure to eliminate any standing water or moisture around your home’s foundation. Fix leaky pipes, gutters, and ensure proper drainage around the perimeter of your home.
Regular Inspections: Regular termite inspections by a professional can help detect infestations early and prevent significant damage.

Treatment Options:

Bait Systems: Termite bait stations can be placed around the perimeter of your home to attract and poison subterranean termites. These systems are effective in reducing the termite population over time.
Liquid Barrier Treatments: This involves applying liquid termiticides to the soil around your home’s foundation. The chemicals create a barrier that kills termites as they come into contact with the treated soil.
Fumigation: In severe infestations, fumigation may be necessary to eradicate subterranean termites. The home is sealed and filled with gas that penetrates deep into the wood and soil, killing the termites inside.

Conclusion

Subterranean termites are a serious threat to homes in Hawaii and other regions with high moisture levels. Their ability to remain hidden underground while causing extensive damage makes them particularly dangerous. By recognizing the signs of an infestation and taking preventative measures, homeowners can protect their property from the costly damage these termites can cause. If you suspect an infestation, it’s essential to seek professional termite control services for an inspection and treatment plan.