Understanding Subterranean Termites

In nature, subterranean termites break down cellulose into usable nutrients, benefiting Florida’s ecosystem. However, they are also among the most destructive pests in the United States, causing billions in property damage annually.

In Saint Cloud, FL, homeowners must remain vigilant. These pests can remain hidden for years, damaging wooden structures behind walls, under mulch, and beneath the soil.

What Do Subterranean Termites Look Like?

Subterranean termites vary by caste:

• Workers: Creamy white, 1/4 to 3/8 inches long, soft-bodied.
• Soldiers: Same size as workers, with yellow-brown heads and strong mandibles.
• Reproductives (Alates/Swarmers): Winged, 1/2 inch long, black or dark brown, often seen during swarming season (late winter in Saint Cloud).

Where Do Subterranean Termites Live?

These termites are found across the U.S. (excluding Alaska) and thrive in Saint Cloud’s humid climate. They nest 3–20 feet underground and build mud tubes for travel and protection.

They infest wooden structures with soil contact — foundations, fences, support posts — and often go undetected inside walls and floors.

What Do Subterranean Termites Eat?

They consume cellulose from wood, paper, cardboard, and even some non-cellulose materials. Worker termites digest food and share it with the colony through trophallaxis, allowing rapid population growth.

Damage Caused by Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites can eat 3% of their body weight daily. Colonies of 60,000 to 1 million termites may consume about 5 grams of wood each day, leading to serious structural damage.

Their hidden activity means damage often isn’t noticed until repairs become costly. Inspections by licensed professionals are essential.

Are Subterranean Termites Aggressive?

They are not aggressive toward humans or pets, but their constant feeding damages wooden structures, making them unsafe over time. Professional intervention is necessary at the first sign of infestation.

How to Detect Subterranean Termites

• Mud tubes on walls, floors, or foundations
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Winged termites (swarmers)
• Sawdust piles beneath wood
• Bubbling or peeling drywall
• Hard-to-open windows and doors

How to Prevent Subterranean Termites

• Separate wood and soil contact
• Redirect water away from the foundation
• Store firewood away from the house
• Seal cracks and gaps in exterior walls
• Use mulch sparingly near the home
• Inspect wooden structures annually
• Follow Florida’s building codes for termite prevention
• Schedule yearly professional termite treatments

Termite Treatment from Newtown Termite & Pest Control

We use Termidor®—the nation’s #1 termiticide—for long-lasting termite protection. Applied around your foundation, Termidor® is undetectable and works through contact and ingestion, killing termites and spreading through the colony.

USDA studies show Termidor® remains effective for over 15 years. Our licensed technicians apply it with precision to safeguard your property.

Our Termite Control Warranty

Serving Saint Cloud since 1993, we offer a renewable, transferable, triple guarantee:

• 1-Year Guarantee
  Free retreatment if termites return within the first year.
• 5-Year Contract Guarantee
  Free retreatment within the first five years of your service contract.
• Transferable Guarantee
  We’ll retreat for free—even if the property changes hands.

When Was Your Last Termite Inspection?

Termites can remain undetected for years. Industry experts recommend inspections every 2–3 years.

Protect your Saint Cloud home or business—schedule a FREE termite inspection with Newtown Termite & Pest Control today.

Additional Resources

• Termites in Florida – UF/IFAS