Subterranean Termite Control Services
About Subterranean Termites
Along with drywood termites, subterranean termites are the main insect responsible for damage to structures. If left undetected, subterranean termites can tunnel up from the soil along the foundation and damage the wood structure of your home. Thrasher Termite & Pest Control is expert in subterranean termite identification, treatment, and damage repairs. We consistently receive the highest ratings in customer satisfaction and are the #1 termite company recommended by real estate professionals. Make Thrasher Termite & Pest Control your first call when you suspect subterranean termites.
Subterranean Termite Identification
Subterranean termite colonies live live underground in a network of chambers and tunnels used for storing food and raising their young (larvae). Since these colonies are underground, they are often impossible to locate. However, mud shelter tubes are a telltale sign that subterranean termites have invaded your home.
In order to protect themselves from desiccation and predation from ants while foraging above ground, termites build long tubes out of mud and fecal material. Termite workers travel back and forth inside these tubes between the soil and the structure above ground. These mud tubes are called exploratory tubes. Termite exploratory tubes are very easy to see and are one of the best ways to identify a potential termite infestation. Once a source of wood has been located, the termites establish larger, more permanent utility or working tubes. The utility tubes are highways running from the underground termite galleries directly to the food source. –Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension
Subterranean Termite Mud Shelters, or Tubes
Subterranean termite tubes can look like hollow sesame sticks. They are about the same size and same color.
Subterranean Termites are about 1/8 inch long. Subterranean termite swarmers have a black body and grayish wings. They look similar to winged ants.
Controlling Subterranean Termites
Thrasher Termite & Pest Control controls subterranean termites by baiting, by applying a liquid soil treatment, or both. Your termite inspector is best able to discuss the best treatment for your situation.
Subterranean Termites in Fences
Don’t rely on pressure treatment to protect your fence from termites. The best way to ensure your fence is not destroyed by subterranean termites is to eliminate wood to soil contact. Subterranean termite colonies live in the ground. Worker termites cannot last long outside of their soil or wood tunnels. Keep wood away from the soil to thwart subterranean termites. Attach fence posts to concrete piers set above the soil surface. Keep soil, leaves, and mulch away from fence posts and the base of the fence.
This advice will keep subterranean termites away from your house: keep soil, leaves, and mulch below the concrete footer of your house, and definitely away from any wood siding. Do not attach wood fences or gates to your house. Every three years, order a complete termite inspection of your home from a licensed pest control company such as Thrasher Termite & Pest Control. For more information about subterranean termites in fences (and photos!) read this.
Subterranean Termites Damage
-
- Cross section of pressure treated fence post after 6 years.
-
- Subterranean termite damage to a 2×4. Notice the smooth channels that remain after the wood was consumed.
-
- Extensive subterranean termite damage to a 2×4. Subterranean termites create huge galleries and destroy the integrity of the wood.
-
- Subterranean termite damage. Dark areas are a build up of termite excrement.
-
- Subterranean termite damage and mud tubes in a ceiling.
-
- Typical subterranean termite damage deep in wood framing.
-
- Subterranean termite damage to end grain in wood siding.
-
- Close-up of subterranean termite damage to end grain in wood siding.
-
- Subterranean termite damage creates long channels in wood.
-
- Another view through a cross section of subterranean termite damage.
Subterranean Termite Inspection
All termite services begin with an inspection by a licensed, experienced inspector, followed by a written report. Our inspector will note wood destroying organisms: drywood termites, subterranean termites, dampwood termites, fungus/dryrot, wood-boring beetles, carpenter ants, carpenter bees.
The report includes a list of damage found, recommendations for treatment and repair, and recommendations for preventing conditions that make your home vulnerable to wood-destroyers.
When structural fumigation with Vikane® gas fumigant or (also called “tenting”) is recommended, we’ll guide you step-by-step though the process to reduce the impact on your family.
Termite Damage Repair
The Thrasher Termite & Pest Control team are experts in termite damage repair. We’re licensed and bonded. Just as with our termite control service, we perform the least invasive repair remedy for problem areas in your home. Remember, after your home is treated for termites it is essential to repair damaged areas to prevent re-infestation and to prevent secondary problems.
