Subterranean Termites Infest Homes

Termites are the most important of the wood destroying insects. The subterranean termite is found in every state in the U.S..

In nature, termites are beneficial because they help to convert dead wood and other organic materials containing cellulose to humus.

Subterranean termites need wood for food and soil for moisture. Wood in contact with soil is ideal for termite development. This in turn makes our homes an open invitation for their presence. Even if your home was built on a concrete slab, it is still possible for termites to enter through expansion joints, cracks, even utility and plumbing openings. Termites will construct mud tubes to cross over or through foundation walls that separate wood from soil. They travel constantly from their nests in the ground to the wood, or to the other cellulose-bearing material upon which they feed. They make these trips only inside wood or in the mud tubes that they've constructed.

The major species of subterranean termites in the U. S. consume wood at approximately the rate of 2 ½ percent of their body weight each day.

Even though a termite infestation has been in your home for some time, the infestation goes unnoticed by the homeowner until some sign of their activity is discovered. The termites most often seen by homeowners are the primary reproductives often referred to as “swarmers”.

Swarming is a common means for termite and other social insects, like ants, to ensure genetic diversity and maintain healthy natural populations. Subterranean termites typically swarm in the spring on warm, calm sunny days following a rain. The swarm usually occurs between mid morning and mid afternoon and can last several hours. Termites swarming indoors will fly towards light around windows and doors or even towards lights in a room.

Termites, over time, can cause damage to your home, which is your biggest investment. PermaTreat recommends that you have your home checked annually for termites.