Termites are always bad news, but subterranean termites are both the most difficult termite species to detect while also doing the most damage in the shortest amount of time. Unfortunately, their swarm season starts at the end of February. Subterranean termites, unlike dry wood termites, do not nest in the wood they are infesting, instead they live in the ground underneath your home.
Subterranean termites reach your home through mud tubes they make in the ground to your foundation, which they continuously enter and exit from. From there they will feed on wood in your home, then return to the ground until they are ready to feed again, and the cycle continues.
What to Avoid
Due to their extremely destructive nature, homeowners will want to make sure they take proper precautions to avoid drawing these pests to their homes.
These simple tips are the most valuable to avoid welcoming these unwanted visitors:
- Avoid any wood to ground contact.
- Avoid standing water around your home and in your yard.
- Bark and mulch are a perfect termite treat so consider other landscaping options.
Warning Signs
Subterranean termites are extremely difficult to identify, and it is important to remember that you are still at risk if you don’t see any visible signs. However, these are some specific warning signs to keep an eye out for:
- Mud tubes around your foundation. These tubes are brown, dry, and cylinder-shaped
- Swarmers, which are winged termites, indicate an active colony of termites.
- Wood damage, especially around the base of your home is also a very tell-tale sign of these destructive pests being active in your home.
The Best Cure for Subterranean Termites
Termites may be tiny, but the damage they cause is anything but that. The best cure for subterranean termites is to prevent them in the first place. Here at JD Smith Pest Control, we are happy to be able to provide a one-time preventative treatment for your home which will prevent subterranean termites for ten years or longer!
In Conclusion
These sneaky pests can do extreme damage to your home in very small amounts of time, so it is important to always keep an eye out especially with their swarm season starting at the end of February. JD Smith Pest Control offers free inspections and has solutions for both treatment and prevention, and can help you find the pest control solution that is perfect for your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule your free inspection or to answer any questions you may have!
