What Are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean Termites are known as the most destructive type of termite. They can go unnoticed for long periods, and can often be found only when it is too late. They live underground and nest in either soil or wood that is damp. It is estimated that Subterranean Termites cause approximately $5 billion in damages to properties and structures across the United States each year.

A single Subterranean Termite colony can consist of up to a million termites and span up to an acre. From their colony, termites build mud tunnels, often up to 50-60 feet, to travel and find more material to feed on. They can enter structures by tunneling through wood, through joints in concrete slabs, or by entering where utility structures and systems come into the home.

How Can I Tell If There Are Subterranean Termites in My Home?

The earlier that the presence of Subterranean Termites can be detected, the better. Due to their destructive nature, you should continually look out for signs of Subterranean Termite activity in your home to seek out expert termite control in Tampa and prevent costly damage. Some common signs can include:

• Discarded Termite Wings: After mating, termite swarmers shed their wings, leaving behind piles of discarded wings near window sills, light fixtures, or other entry points.

• Mud Tubes: Look for pencil-thin tubes made of soil clinging to walls, foundations, or wooden structures. These tubes serve as direct connections for Subterranean Termites to travel between their nest and food sources.
• Peeling or Bubbling Paint: Inspect any painted surfaces in your home for paint that seems to be affected by moisture.
• Swollen Wood or Wood Damage: Check for hollow-sounding, swollen, or damaged wood, particularly in areas prone to moisture and around plumbing fixtures.
• Swarming Termite Sightings: Look for winged termites indoors or around your property, particularly during the spring and rainy seasons.

How to Protect Your Home from Subterranean Termites

Preventing Subterranean Termite infestations requires a combination of proactive measures and professional pest control solutions. Here are some steps you can take to protect your Florida home:

• Maintain proper drainage: Ensure that gutters and downspouts direct water away from your home’s foundation by at least 1 foot to prevent and reduce excess moisture, which can attract termites.
• Ensure proper landscaping placement: Irrigation systems and any landscaping should not come closer than 2 feet from the foundation of your home.
• Eliminate wood-to-soil contact: Avoid direct contact between soil and wooden structures by using concrete or metal barriers. Keep firewood, lumber, and other wooden materials stored above ground and away from the perimeter of your home.
• Inspect your home for termites regularly: Conduct annual routine inspections of your home, focusing on areas prone to moisture, such as garages, crawl spaces, and attics, as well as the inside and outside of your foundation, if possible. 
• Seal potential entry points: Seal cracks, gaps, and openings around windows, doors, and utility penetrations to prevent termites from gaining access to your home.
• Hire a Green-Certified Tampa pest control company: At Nvirotect Pest Control Services, we proudly employ Sentricon Always Active Subterranean Termite baiting stations to both treat active Subterranean Termites and prevent future colonies from invading your home without compromising the safety of you and your family.