Subterranean Termites
Subterranean Termites In San Jose
Subterranean termites may wreak havoc on a building’s structure over time, leading to its ultimate collapse.
Subterranean termites live in the soil and attack from the ground up. Their colonies are bigger compared to Drywood Termites.
To reach food sources and shelter themselves from the outside air, these termites construct unique tunnels known as “mud tubes.” They consume wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, biting off tiny bits of wood one at a time with their saw-toothed teeth.
Subterranean termites or castes are divided into three kinds, based on their physical characteristics: reproductives, workers, and soldiers.
What is the difference between Subterranean and Drywood Termites?
Subterranean termites live in soil and require contact with moisture to survive. They build mud tubes to access wood above ground and cause damage by eating through wood fiber. They are typically made up of a larger colony with workers, soldiers, and a queen.
Drywood termites, also known as powderpost termites, don’t need contact with soil or moisture to survive. They infest dry wood and leave behind small pellets resembling sawdust. They are smaller in colony size, but can still cause significant damage over time. Drywood termites don’t build mud tubes, but they have similar physical characteristics to subterranean termites, with workers, soldiers, and reproductives. They are found in warmer, coastal regions and can be difficult to detect without professional inspection.
What Does A Subterranean Termite Look Like?
Workers are around 1/4 inch long or less and have a cream-colored body. They have tiny jaws that aid in the chewing of wood and the movement of materials.
Soldiers can be distinguished from the rest because of their huge mandibles. Their heads are rectangular, and their bodies are flat and broad. Their bodies are generally a creamy white hue, similar to workers’, but their heads are darker and more brownish. Workers and soldiers, unlike swarmers, do not have wings.
Their colonies are bigger compared to Drywood Termites. Left alone they can cause serious damage to your home. The good news is that Subterranean termites can be treated and prevented.
Do subterranean Termites Fly?
Yes, subterranean termites have flying reproductive individuals known as alates or swarmers. These alates are the only members of the termite colony that have wings and are capable of flight. They are produced when a termite colony reaches maturity and is ready to form a new colony.
The alates emerge from the colony and fly in swarms to mate and start new colonies. After mating, the alates drop their wings and become king or queen termites, respectively. The subterranean termite alates are usually found in the spring or early summer and are attracted to light sources.
Once they land and find a suitable environment, they will shed their wings, mate, and begin the process of forming a new colony.
Subterranean Termite Control
We have different methods of treatments available for any type of home construction. We will always inform you of the different options available and make our recommendations based on many different factors. One of the most common and long proven method is to apply liquid termiticide around the perimeter of your home to form a barrier. The termiticide gets mixed with the soil and when unsuspecting termites encounter the treated soil they will pass it along the colony members and the entire colony will be destroyed.
Termite Prevention In San Jose
We also offer termite bait stations for prevention and control of subterranean Termites. The bait system program is an excellent choice for all types of homes. This service consists of strategically placing baits station at the perimeter of home to eliminate subterranean termites. The stations will be inspected and rebaited by our certified termite technicians.
If your home has unique needs, Expert Exterminators will customize a special treatment for you specific needs. If you suspect termites or other wood destroying organisms in your home, contact us. Expert Exterminators is a full-service pest control company that has a solution for any type of pest you may be dealing with.
