If you have been living in Memphis for quite some time, we don’t have to tell you that you need to be extra cautious about termites. There are different types of termites present in Memphis, and all of them can wreak havoc on your home. However, it is particularly important to be on the lookout for subterranean termites.
These are among the most destructive pests out there, causing billions of dollars in damage across the U.S. every year. But don’t panic just yet! With a little know-how, you can spot the warning signs and take action before they get the chance to chew through your home (literally).
In this guide, we’ll walk you through:
- How to identify subterranean termites
- The signs of an infestation in and around your home
- Your treatment options, to kick these unwelcome guests out for good
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are a class of termites that mostly live in colonies underground (hence the name). However, they do not stay there all the time, instead, they build mud tubes to reach the wood. This is their favorite snack, and whether it’s in your walls, foundation, or furniture, they’ll do anything to get to it.
Here’s why they’re especially dangerous: they can chew through wood 24/7 and they don’t sleep! This means that the longer they’re in your home undetected, the more damage they can cause, and in areas where it’s warm and humid, like Memphis. In Memphis, conditions are perfect for these termites to thrive year-round.
In Memphis, the Eastern subterranean termite is the most common type of termite species around. They thrive in warm, humid conditions, making the city of Memphis a perfect home for their colonies. Another subtype may also include Formosan termites, which are even more aggressive and destructive. While the Formosan subterranean termites are not as common, they can still be found.
What Do Subterranean Termites Look Like?
Like all other types of termites, subterranean termites are really small in size. However, they possess several distinguishable characteristics:
- They’re tiny, with most around ⅛-inch long and some even smaller
- Creamy white color (soldier termites are darker in color)
- Workers and soldier termites are soft-bodied and wingless
- Swarmers within the colony shed their wings after mating, leaving translucent, papery wings near windows, doors, or light sources
Crucial Ways To Identify Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are a well-organized society. These are divided into different social classes, with each class having specific roles that keep the colony thriving.
Types Of Subterranean Termites
Each role plays a part in contributing to the damage to your home. Each subterranean termite colony is made up of three main classes: workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites (swarmers). Here’s what each does and why they’re important to recognize:
Workers: These are the ones doing the damage. They’re small (about 1/8 inch), creamy white, and wingless. Since they’re hidden inside wood or underground, workers are the hardest to spot. However, their destructive feeding habits make them the most dangerous members of the colony.
Soldiers: Look similar to workers but have larger, darker heads and strong mandibles for defense.
Swarmers (Alates): These are reproductive termites. They’re dark brown or black, about 3/8 inch long, and have two pairs of equal-sized wings. If you spot swarmers, it’s a red flag that there’s a nearby colony looking to expand. Look for discarded wings as this could mean that they have started to settle.
Pro Tip: Swarmers are most active in spring and summer, especially after rain. If you see them around your home, act quickly.
Mud Tubes
Another crucial sign is that subterranean termites build mud tubes to travel between their colony and your house. These pencil-thin tubes are made of soil, wood particles, and saliva, and they protect termites from predators and dry conditions.
Look for mud tubes along your home’s foundation, crawl space, or basement walls. If you break one open and find live termites inside, you’ve got an active infestation.
Hollow or Damaged Wood
Termites eat wood from the inside out, so damage might not be obvious right away. Tap on wood surfaces (like walls or floors) and listen for a hollow sound. If the wood crumbles when you touch it, termites have been hard at work.
Blisters in Wood Flooring or Bubbling Paint
Termites can damage wood so extensively that it causes floors to blister or paint to bubble. This happens because they create moisture as they chew through the wood.
Droppings (Frass)
Subterranean termites don’t leave behind much frass (that’s mostly dry wood termites), but you might still see small, wood-colored droppings near their feeding areas.
Also Read: 5 Warning Signs Of Termites
Treatment Options for Subterranean Termites
Now that we have covered the signs of subterranean termites, it’s time to learn more about the ways you can get rid of them once your home becomes infested. There are a variety of proven treatments available, and the right one depends on the severity of the infestation and the specifics of your home. Here are the most common methods:
Liquid Termiticides
Liquid treatments are applied in the soil around your home, creating a barrier that kills termites when they come into contact with it. These treatments can also eliminate entire colonies because termites unknowingly spread the poison to each other.
- Pros: Long-lasting and effective
- Cons: Requires trenching around your home’s perimeter
Baiting Systems
Termite bait stations are strategically placed in your yard to attract termites. Once they take the bait, they carry it back to their colony, which eventually kills the entire group.
- Pros: Less invasive than liquid treatments
- Cons: Slower results compared to liquid termiticides
Fumigation
This is typically reserved for severe infestations. Your home will be tented, and a gas fumigant will be used to kill termites throughout the entire structure.
Pros: Extremely thorough
Cons: Expensive and requires you to vacate your home temporarily
Borate Treatments
Borate can be applied to wood during construction to prevent termites from ever taking hold. While this won’t help if you already have an infestation, it’s a great option for new builds.
Don’t Let Termites Take Over Your Home
Subterranean termites are a serious threat but with early detection and effective treatment, you can keep your home safe. If you think you might have a termite problem, or you just want peace of mind, give us a call today at (901) 452-1505. We’re here to help!
At Jamison Pest and Lawn, we have a team of expert termite control professionals with years of experience getting rid of subterranean termites. We use effective, modern techniques that are highly recommended throughout the area. Find out how we can help you!
