In nature, subterranean termites break down cellulose into usable nutrients. The biomass resulting from this process is recycled to the soil as humus, making these pests an important and beneficial member of Florida’s ecosystem.
Unfortunately, subterranean termites are also one of the most destructive insects in the United States. Each year they cause billions of dollars in economic loss and lower the value of thousands of homes, antiques, and other prized wooden possessions.
When termites are found attacking such valuable family assets, they do much more harm than good. A subterranean termite infestation may go unnoticed for months or even years as they hide their activity underneath mulch and soil, between termite tubes, or behind walls. Homeowners in Saint Cloud should watch for this wood-destroying pest and take appropriate precautions to prevent infestations.
WHAT DO SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES LOOK LIKE?
Subterranean termites are segmented with a soft body. They lack a defined waist, and their size and color differ based on their role within the colony. Worker termites, which are responsible for foraging and building tunnels, are typically about 1/4 to 3/8 inches long and are a creamy white color. Soldier termites, tasked with defending the colony, are similar in size to workers and are identifiable by their yellow-brown heads and larger mandibles.
Reproductive termites, also known as “alates” or "swarmers," are the most noticeable in a colony. They are most abundant during swarming season, when groups of winged termites disperse to form new colonies. Termite swarmers are about 1/2 inch long and are most often black or dark brown. They have two pairs of equal-length wings that extend beyond their body. The presence of these winged termites is often one of the first signs of a termite infestation within a home because it proves that multiple generations have been present. In Saint Cloud, termite swarming season typically occurs in the late winter.
WHERE DO SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES LIVE?
Geographically, subterranean termites are found all across the United States, except Alaska. Regions with higher humidity and milder winters, such as Saint Cloud, tend to have optimal soil conditions and therefore a greater incidence of termite activity.
As their name suggests, subterranean termites live underground. They typically nest about three feet below the surface of the soil but will thrive as deep as 18 to 20 feet to fulfill their need for moisture. These termites also use the soil to construct intricate tunnel systems, known as mud tubes, that provide protection to traveling termites and hide them from sight.
The habitat of subterranean termites is not limited to soil alone. They are also known to inhabit wooden structures. The termites may infest foundations, support posts, fences, and anything else with wood-to-soil contact. Infestations in buildings often go unnoticed for long periods because the termites can navigate through concealed areas within walls and floors.
Termite colonies are divided into castes and consist of workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites. The worker termites, being the primary wood consumers, are continuously foraging for food, which often leads the rest of the colony to human-made structures. A single, fully mature subterranean termite colony can have upwards of 1 million termites.
WHAT DO SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES EAT?
Subterranean termites feed on the cellulose found in wood and other plant materials. This diet causes them to damage wooden structures, including buildings and furniture. While wood is their main food source, subterranean termites also consume other cellulose-based materials like paper, cardboard, and fiberboard. They can even damage non-cellulose materials if it is in the way of their primary food source, including plastic and soft metals.
The feeding habits of subterranean termites contribute to the health and growth of their colony. Worker termites, which do most of the eating, share the digested cellulose with other members of the colony, ensuring that all members, including those remaining hidden in the nest, are nourished. This social feeding mechanism, known as trophallaxis, helps the colony expand.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
In the United States, it is estimated that subterranean termites eating wood causes upwards of 5 billion dollars of damage each year. They consume roughly 3 percent of their body weight in wood every day. A fully grown termite colony, containing anywhere from 60,000 to 1 million workers, can consume about 5 grams of wood each day. The damage adds up quickly, and noticeable chunks of wood (the size of a 2 x 4) can go missing in just a few months.
Even worse, the fact that they hide underground and within mud tubes means wood damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe. The termites can silently and invisibly eat away at the wooden beams, staircases, chairs, and playgrounds until the structures eventually collapse from regular use.
While these pests primarily damage wood, their quest for cellulose can lead to the destruction of paper products, drywall, insulation, and filtration systems. Regular inspections from a licensed pest control professional are the best way to manage existing infestations.
ARE SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES AGGRESSIVE
Subterranean termites are not aggressive towards humans or pets. The large mandibles of termite soldiers are meant to defend from other insects and they do not bite people.
The only aggression from termites is their ability to eat wood 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The deteriorating wooden structures become a concern for homeowners, and the damage caused by subterranean termites can lead to injuries from unsafe living conditions if left unchecked.
The termites will not wait for a convenient time to begin destroying property. If subterranean termites are seen infesting a home or commercial building, contact a pest control professional. Exterminators in Saint Cloud are trained to look underground for termites, eliminate the nest, and implement preventative measures to ensure they do not come back.
HOW TO DETECT SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
Signs of a termite infestation include:
• The presence of mud tubes on floors, walls, or building exteriors. • Piles of sawdust accumulating below wooden holes • Winged termites, known as swarmers, which indicate generations of termites reproducing • Doors or windows that have become ill-fitting or difficult to open • Bubbling or peeling drywall • Wood that sounds hollow if tapped
HOW TO PREVENT SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
To help prevent termite issues the following steps should be taken:
• Create a clear separation between wood and soil on the property • Keep foundations dry by redirecting water damage away from the building • Store firewood away from buildings and crawl spaces • Seal any gaps or fissures in the exterior of buildings to prevent termite entry • Regularly inspect wooden structures for signs of termite damage or activity • Follow Florida building codes for termites when constructing new properties • Use mulch sparingly, and avoid placing it near foundation or wood siding • Schedule annual termite treatments with a local pest control company
HOW WE TREAT FOR TERMITES
Newtown Termite & Pest Control is a certified Termidor® exterminator. We utilize the nation's #1 termiticide when treating homes or businesses. Our technicians apply the product to the exterior of the structure. Once applied, Termidor® becomes undetectable and begins killing termites by contact and indigestion.
Independent testing conducted by the USDA detected no termite damage in concrete slab structures treated with Termidor® 80 WG for more than 15 years following the treatment.
For effective termite extermination our experienced technicians apply the Termidor along the foundation or exterior of the home or business. Once applied, the termiticide blends into the soil and is transferred to termites as they come in contact with the agent. The termiticide is also transferred among the termite colony as infected termites come in contact with other termites. Termidor kills termites both by ingestion as well as by contact.
Our termite control treatment service will terminate an existing termite infestation and protect against future occurrences.
OUR TERMITE TREATMENT WARRANTY
Homes and businesses have been trusting Newtown Termite & Pest Control, Inc. since 1993. We are a termite control provider with an A+ Accredited BBB rating. Combined, our certified, company-trained technicians have over 50 years of field experience.
Our termite control treatment service will terminate an existing termite infestation and protect against future occurrences with our renewable, transferable, triple guarantee:
1: If, within one year of your first treatment, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we will retreat your home for FREE.
2: If, during the first five years of your service contract, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we will retreat your home for FREE.
3: If, during the first five years or any year thereafter, we uncover a new colony of live termites, we'll retreat for FREE ... EVEN IF YOU SELL THE HOME!
WHEN WAS YOUR LAST TERMITE INSPECTION?
Industry experts agree that the first step in effective termite control is to have your home or business undergo a full termite inspection at least every two to three years.
That is because termites, often referred to as the "silent destroyers" can go unnoticed until visible damage occurs.
Having your St. Cloud area home or business professionally inspected by a certified technician is the best way to help detect the presence of termites and prevent extensive damage.
