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Problem:
Subterranean termites

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Problem Info

On warm, sunny spring or fall days, brown to brownish black winged insects, about 3/8 inch long, swarm in and around the house. These insects resemble flying ants but have thick waists and beaded rather than elbowed antennae. Their discarded wings may be found around the building. Mud tubes extend from the soil up along the foundation and any other termite-proof surface to the infested wooden structures. These tubes are commonly found in basements and crawlspaces under buildings. When broken off, they are rebuilt within several days. Dark or blistered areas may develop in the flooring.

Analysis

These wood-feeding insects cause more structural damage to buildings than any other insect. Subterranean termites live in colonies as deep as 5 feet in the ground and move up to infest wooden structures through tubes of soil they build over masonry or metal to bridge the gap from soil to wood. Except for the dark, winged swarmers, these termites are white, wingless, and very sensitive to moisture loss. They always remain within the nest, soil tubes, or infested wood, protected from desiccation and insect predators. Within their colony, termites maintain a complicated caste system that includes sterile workers and soldiers, winged reproducers, and an egg-laying queen. Colonies are formed when a pair of winged reproducers leaves the parent colony and excavates a nest in a piece of wood on top of or buried in the ground. As the new colony develops, galleries are formed deep in the soil. Termite colonies develop slowly-3 or 4 years usually pass before the reproductive swarmers develop, and structural damage may not be noticed for several more years. When buildings are erected over established termite colonies, however, serious damage may occur within a year. Termites hollow out the inside of a wooden structure, leaving only an outer shell. Damage is most severe when they infest main supporting wooden beams and girders. One species of subterranean termite, the Formosan termite (Coptotermes formosanus), is not native to the United States but is present in areas of the Southeast and Southwest. This termite is more vigorous and aggressive than native North American species and is more difficult to control.

Solution Advice

These wood-feeding insects cause more structural damage to buildings than any other insect. If you suspect you have a termite infestation, get an accurate assessment from a professional termite or pest-control operator. They are qualified to treat termite infestations in the home. Discourage infestations by keeping the area under and around the house free of wood debris above and below the ground. If the soil around the foundation remains moist due to faulty plumbing or improper grade, repair the plumbing and alter the grade, since termites prefer moist soil.

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