Subterranean termite colonies are broken into classes; these classes determine which job the termites will perform in order to manage the colonies. The worker group is the largest of these classes. Worker termites are a soft, creamy white color, wingless, and are blind, but they manage to gather food for the entire colony. When living outdoors, termites will eat rotten wood, leaves, and other vegetation. Once inside, they will feed on wooden furniture, wallboards, structural beams and other wooden items. Soldier termites are larger than the workers and are responsible for defending their territories against attack. The largest members of the colony are the kings and queens. Reproductive termites, also known as swarmer termites or alates, have wings that allow them to swarm and find a mate. After these termites find a mate, their wings fall off and they find a place to begin a new colony. While subterranean termites usually live outside, they may find their way inside homes while looking for more wood to devour.

Here are some common signs of a subterranean termite infestation:

• Mud tubes that they use to travel back and forth from their colony to their food source; these tubes are about the width of a pencil and can usually be found near foundations and walls.

• Discarded swarmer wings on window sills or porch railings.

• Flying insects that look like winged ants swarming around your home.

• Damaged wood that has exit holes in it or sounds hollow when tapped, or piles of sawdust-like feces in or around your home.

To help prevent termites from invading your home,

• avoid wood-to-soil contact around your home.

• keep your yard tidy and free of piles of wood,leaves, or other organic debris..

• it is also a good idea to fix any leaky pipes or fixtures that cause excess moisture or result in water damage that attracts termites.

• Reducing moisture levels in your home can help deter termites from invading your home.

• If you have any water-damaged wood in your home, you should replace it immediately, otherwise, you may find yourself with a termite infestation.

In order to fully eliminate a current termite infestation or to avoid termites and the damages they cause altogether, enlist the help of the termite control experts. We specialize in termite control and offer comprehensive solutions to termite problems that are highly effective. Give us a call today to learn more about our expert termite control options!