How to Control Subterranean Termites

Unlike drywood termites, which live in drywood, subterranean termites make contact with the ground. These termites construct their colonies in the soil and then construct pathways in the ground to locate sources of wood that remain below ground or on the soil’s surface. Subterranean termites can enter homes or building structures at ground level but can build tubes to enter several feet above the ground.

One of the most common ways that subterranean termites enter homes and building structures is through wood-to-ground contact. Out of the three termite species to treat (dry wood, dump wood, and subterranean), subterranean termites are the most difficult.

Subterranean Termite Identification

If you’re wondering what subterranean termites look like then here is what you should look for, the Alates or swarmers are dark-brown to black in color and range in size from ¼ to ½ inch long. They possess 2 pairs of wings that are very close in being equal in length. However, the workers are cream-colored have no wings, and are about ¼ inch or less in length.

Subterranean Termites Lifecycle

The lifecycle of subterranean termites goes through  3 stages, once the female lays the eggs the eggs take several weeks before hatching into nymphs. The nymphs will molt several times before reaching adulthood, once the termites reach maturity they take their place in the colony’s cast system., which includes, reproductive winged alates,  or swarmer, that break away to form new colonies. The life expectancy for termites is the queen can live up to 50 years under ideal climate conditions while the soldiers and workers live for about 1-2 years.

Signs of Subterranean Termite Damage

Subterranean termites eat wood 24 hours seven days a week, if control measures are not taken right away can cause server damage to homes and building structures and in some cases cause total collapse of the entire structure. If you see these signs is an indication that you have a subterranean termite infestation and steps should be taken immediately.

• The presence of flying termites.
• Visible discard wings.
•  An accumulation of soil or mud within the tunnels of the wood they are eating.
• Termite droppings ( the droppings are wood colored ranging from light beige to black and 0.0 4 inches long).
• These droppings or frass can be seen near the damage that they kick out of the hole. Some of the most common places to find termite-out kick holes are on window sills, on carpeting, on wooden porches, and along wooden floorboards.
• Paint that starts to bubble may be an indication of termites
• The sound of hollow wood when knocked.
• Blistering in wood floors
• Mud tunnels can be seen along exterior concrete walls and indoors as well as the home’s foundation, the mud tubes or tunnels are 0.5 to 2.5 cm in diameter about the width of a pencil, and usually an earthy brown color.
• These tubes are made from wood and soil combined with termite saliva.

Note: It is best to consider calling first a professional company to do the job for you.

How to Control Subterranean Termite

If you discover the unfortunate experience of subterranean termites that are seeking to eat you out of your house and home then here is what to do.

• You can hire a professional company to do the job for you, they will charge you based on the extent of the damage which can be pricey if the damage is server.
• Or you can do the job yourself and save hundreds of dollars, here is what to do. With a pickaxe or a shovel dig a trench, the trench against your house should be 6 inches wide and 6 inches deep. The trench should be against the foundation around the entire house. Next in a bucket mix the termiticide, the mixture is four gallons of water with the termiticide every 10 lineal feet that’s 4 gal=every 10 lineal feet. Evenly distribute the 4-gallon mixture to the 10-foot section then repeat the process and till you have covered the entire perimeter of the house on all sides. Once the termiticide has soaked in the soil it’s time to backfill with the dirt that was removed to dig the trench. The soil that you place back however is untreated so what you want to do is mix some termiticide in a 1-gallon sprayer then fill the spray bottle with water now go ahead and treat the untreated soil as you backfill. This process is easier if there is help, while you backfill with the shovel your helper can wet the soil with the termiticide by spraying. Once you’re complete you are good to go. However, before applying termiticide or any pesticides read and follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

How to Treat Subterranean Termite In Wood or Wall Voids

Drilling in the wood or wall void will ensure that you are directly treating the infestation where the treatment will get into the termite gallery. Here is what to do.

• When drilling into wood drill small holes every 3-4 inches until you find a spot where the drill bit does not meet resistance, this will mean that you have hit the termite gallery. This is the area to apply the termiticide treatment.
• When drilling into drywalls drill each hole 18 inches from the floor, and in between each stud around the infested area, you can now go ahead and apply termite treatments inside of the holes. Here are different termite products that can be used to control termites. Bora-Care, Navigator SC Termiticide/Insecticide – 78 oz, Thermidor SC, Thermidor Foam, Taurus SC Termiticide, Bifenthrin-Plus-C etc…

Installing Termite Bait Station

Termite bait stations do not serve as a barrier for termite control, if termites are already present a full treatment is required so consider hiring a professional company.

• To install termite bait stations choose the best spots every 10-15 feet around the perimeter of your home, and ensure that your utility company is notified to come to your property to locate wires that may become a potential hazard before you begin digging.
• Once you are given all clear by the power company begin digging in hazard-free spots with a shovel or a hand trowel, each hole should be dug 1-3 inches deeper than the length of the bait station. This will secure the wooden base from getting mold when the water builds up.
• Now place the bait station in each hole that was dug. Once the bait station is in place in the hole the top should be level with the soil.
• Each bait station comes with a wooden base and an inspection cartridge.
• Termites will be attracted to the wooden base and the inspection cartridge.
• Check the bait station at least once a month, or every three months to check the bait station use the tool that comes with it to open the top.
• If termite activity is found replace the inspection cartridge with a Trelona Bait Cartridge. Terlona Bait Cartridge is effective and will eliminate 2-8 times the average colony size.
• Inspect Terlona Bait Cartridge 90 days after installation, once termite inspection is brought under control replace Terlona cartridge with a fresh inspection cartridge and continue quarterly inspections.

Another bait station that can be used is (25 Count) BASF – Advance Termite Bait Station Wood Bases TMB.

How to Prevent Subterranean Termite

There is a saying that ” prevention is better than cure” which is so true and can save hundreds or thousands of dollars in termite damage.

• Keep mulch away from the exterior of your house foundation.
• Hire a professional pest control company to treat your property with an in-ground bait system around your home or with a non-repellant chemical soil barrier.
• Avoid or eliminate wood-t0-soil and stucc0-to-soil contact.
• Ensure that your gutters are well-maintained by keeping them clean.
• Extend your gutter to about 1 foot away from your home, this will reduce and discourage moisture.
• Plant material should not make contact with the foundation and exterior of your home.
• Avoid the disturbance of termite treatments around your foundation.
• Make sure that your home is inspected annually by a licensed pest control operator.
• Cracks that are discovered around the exterior of your home or in the foundation should be repaired.
• Any water leaks in or around your home should be repaired immediately.

Conclusion

Subterranean Termites are destructive and should be dealt with immediately once discovery is made, this guide will help you to save hundreds or even thousands of dollars. I have seen the damage these termites can cause weakening a house or building structure that is dangerous. Do it yourself or call in a professional company to do the job for you, you will be glad with the results as you stop termites in their tracks.