Subterranean termites are pests that live in soil beneath and around homes, and are the most common termite nationwide. These pests often find their way into homes through wood that touches the ground or by constructing mud tubes from the ground to the wood they infest. This helps them reach food sources and protect themselves from open air. Cracks in concrete walls or foundations of homes also make easy paths for these insects to follow and infest your home. Subterranean termites work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, using their toothed jaws to bite off small fragments of wood one piece at a time. Over time, these termites cause critical damage to your home when essentially taking away small parts of wood from the structure of your home or any building.
Subterranean termites can infest the inside, exterior, or crawl space of your home. One sign is mud tubes appearing on the exterior of your home or the inside of your crawl space. Mud tubes are long tunnels made of wood and soil, which the termites construct to protect them from dying as they travel. Other signs of a subterranean termite infestation would include soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped, darkening or blistering of wood structures, and small piles of feces that resemble sawdust near a termite nest. Discarded wings near doors or on windowsills also indicate that swarmers of the colony have entered and infested the home.
Prevention is first and foremost the best termite control plan. Always avoid water accumulation near the home’s foundation, as these termites are attracted to moisture. Make sure to divert water away from the home with proper downspouts, gutters, and splash blocks. Eliminate wood contact with the soil, maintain a one-inch gap between the soil and wood portions of the building, and always seal cracks and crevices properly.
Although termite prevention can be monitored closely by homeowners, pest control experts are seasoned in assessing and treating subterranean termites with a proper plan of action. We would be glad to help you care for your home and prevent subterranean termites. Call us at 864-616-6308 for a free termite inspection, or with any questions or concerns. Let us help!