SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES
Subterranean Termites are social insects that live in colonies consisting of many individuals. The colonies are composed of workers, soldiers, and reproductives. The workers are very small, 1/8th of an inch, have not wings, are white to cream colored and very numerous. Soldiers defend the colony against insects, like ants, that can attack the colony. Soldiers are wingless and white in color with large brown heads. King and Queen Termites perform the reproductive functions of the colony. They are dark brown to black in color.
Subterranean Termites, as the name suggests, live in the soil, in most cases. Subterranean Termites are an important part of our environment. In a natural setting, this type of termite recycles dead trees back into the soil. Without the termite, our forests would be littered with dead trees as wood “rot” cannot break the dead trees down fast enough. The termite sees the wood in your home as just another food source. If the wood of your home does not contact the soil, they can build mud tunnels or tubes to reach the wood several feet above the ground. These mud tunnels can extend for 50-60 feet to reach wood and often enter a structure through expansion joints in concrete slabs or where utilities enter the home. The main portion of the termite colony stays in the ground and the foraging worker termites come into a home through cracks in the concrete, as small as 1/64th of an inch, a dimes width. Once inside, they will eat the wood and bring it back to the nest in the ground as food to the termites remaining in the colony.
Subterranean termites feed on wood or other items that contain cellulose, such as paper, fiberboard, and some fabrics derived from cotton or plant fibers. Subterranean Termites are often difficult to detect. Detection can be from the presence of winged reproductives, mud tubes on the sides of your home, or seeing wood damage.
The control of subterranean termites is often a major expense and like any other household expense should be carefully considered. An important point to remember is that Subterranean Termites work SLOWLY! There are many variables when considering how fast or slow a termite colony will damage a home. A small colony can typically eat six inches of a wooden 2X4 board in one year. You do not need to rush into an agreement with a firm before you thoroughly investigate what are all your alternatives.
Collier Pest Control, Southwest Florida’s Pest Authority, can control all types of termites for you economically. Let our experienced termite Inspector come and evaluate if you have a termite problem or some other form of damage. If it is termites, we can offer to you different types of service to correct the infestation. Collier Pest Control offers long term protection with our in ground termite baiting systems if you plan to keep you home, or traditional liquid treatments for a 5 or 7 year protection.
If you live in Naples, Fort Myers, or Southwest Florida and think you may have Termites or want a FREE termite home inspection call 239-455-4300, Collier Pest Control for any of our FREE TERMITE INSPECTION and a complete explanation and free estimate on any of our services, or look us up on our web site at collierpestcontrol.com. Don’t let unwanted guests spoil your beautiful Southwest Florida lifestyle. Remember, Florida does not have to be shared with insects!
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