Subterranean Termites
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are highly destructive pests that cause significant damage to wooden structures. They live in the soil and build extensive underground tunnels, which allow them to access timber and other cellulose materials in your home. These termites often create mud tubes along concrete foundations, cracks, or crevices to reach wooden structures while staying protected from predators and dry conditions.
Once established, colonies continue to expand, chewing through wood to form new tunnels. This feeding activity weakens the structural integrity of your property over time, making early detection, professional termite control Melbourne, and termite treatment Melbourne essential to safeguard your home or business. Learn more about Drywood Termites to understand another common termite species and protect your property effectively.
Identification of Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites range from 1/8 to 1 inch in length and vary in color from creamy white to dark brown or black. They have six legs, two straight antennae, and long, narrow, oval bodies. The alates, or swarmers, possess wings, helping them establish new colonies.
Subterranean termites progress from eggs to adults at varying rates depending on the species. Each colony is led by a primary queen, capable of laying tens of thousands of eggs throughout her life. Colonies consist of three main castes: workers, soldiers, and reproductives, which include the king, queen, swarmers (alates), nymphs, and supplementary reproductives.
A new colony begins when winged alates leave the parent colony for a mating flight. After mating, the male and female shed their wings and excavate a chamber in the ground near a suitable wood source to establish a new colony. Swarming typically occurs on warm, sunny, windless days, although some termites may swarm at night, depending on the species.
Subterranean termites reside in underground colonies, from which they construct tunnels to access food sources. They build protective mud tubes above ground to travel safely and efficiently. These termites prefer moist environments, as they need consistent moisture to survive and maintain their colonies.
Subterranean termites can inflict severe damage to your property. Using their hard, saw-toothed jaws, they chew tiny fragments of wood. Even a small colony of around 60,000 workers can consume approximately five grams of wood daily. Over time, this feeding weakens structural components, potentially causing collapse. These colonies often remain hidden for years, growing rapidly and leading to costly repairs if left untreated.
Prevention Tips
Eliminate moisture
As dampwood termites like moisture, it is essential to solving all moisture problems in your property. This includes fixing leaking roofs, plumbing issues, rainwater drainage problems, etc.
Replace damaged wood
Once you fix moisture issues, it is crucial to replace any damaged wood in your home. If the need is, use treated wood.
Subterranean Termite Treatment
Professional pest control services can help identify and eliminate established subterranean termite colonies and prevent further infestations. These pests require specialised termite treatment methods that involve baits, traps, and various other safe yet effective chemical treatments.
Subterranean termite baits are designed to be slow acting, ensuring the entire colony is eradicated before any damage can be done. Chemical treatments, such as termiticides, can also be applied to wood surfaces to prevent further infestations. A professional pest control service should always perform subterranean termite control methods to ensure the most effective and safe results.
At Tom’s Pest Control, we inspect your property thoroughly to determine the level of infestation. Depending on our findings, we design a treatment plan for your home. We then carry out the extermination carefully to offer the best possible results without causing any harm to you, your family, or the environment.
Threats
Drywood termites are different from other termite species that require plenty of moisture for survival. These termites don’t even need soil to be able to build their nests. They can extract water from any wood source for survival. Also, they can produce water through their digestive process.
Protect Your Property from Termites
Termites, whether drywood, dampwood, or subterranean, pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of your home or business. Their hidden nature and destructive feeding habits can lead to costly repairs if infestations are not addressed promptly. Early detection and professional treatment are crucial to safeguarding your property.
At 7 States Pest Control, we provide expert termite control Melbourne, termite treatment Melbourne, and termite removal Melbourne services tailored to your property’s needs. Our licensed technicians use safe, effective methods to eliminate colonies and prevent future infestations. Don’t wait until the damage is severe—protect your investment today. Contact us at +61 434 660 060 to schedule a thorough inspection or treatment and ensure long-lasting termite protection for your home or business.
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Termite Inspection & Treatment FAQ's
How do Subterranean Termites damage property?
Where do Subterranean Termites live?
They reside in underground colonies and prefer moist environments. Mud tubes are often built above ground to reach timber while remaining protected.
How can I identify Subterranean Termites?
They range from 1/8 to 1 inch long, have six legs, two straight antennae, long narrow oval bodies, and winged alates for colony expansion.