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Eastern Subterranean Termites

 

Eastern subterranean termites are one of many species of termites that are dangerous due to their destructiveness. Termite infestations often go undetected and untreated for a long time, increasing the severity of the damage. Subterranean termite colonies are made up of three main castes: workers, soldiers, and swarmers.

 

Eastern subterranean termite workers close up-1Workers

  • Eastern subterranean worker termites are small, white, blind, have no wings, and cannot reproduce.

  • They are the largest group in the colony and provide the food.

  • They are the ones that do the damage, feeding on wood and other cellulose materials, fixing the nests, and building tunnels.

Sub termite workers soldiers alate1Soldiers

  • Soldiers are brown to rust orange and have a rectangular head that is armored.

  • The soldiers are about 1/4 inch-long. 

  • They are the defenders of the colony with pinchers that are used for crushing ants. If a colony is disturbed, soldier termites are the first line of defense.

termite2

Swarmers

  • Eastern subterranean swarmers are dark brown with brownish-grey wings that are shed once they land.
  • Swarmers are reproductive termites. These are winged termites that will leave their current colony to find a mate and a place to build a new one.
  • Swarmers are often the first sign of a termite problem.

What Are the Signs of a Termite Infestation?

Termite infestations can compromise the structural stability of a home, and cause approximately $6.8 billion in damage, without anyone even knowing. It’s important to get a termite inspection done by a licensed pest professional every one to three years to keep the property safe from termites. However, there are also some red flags signaling the presence of termites that homeowners can keep an eye out for on a regular basis. Here are the top 4 signs of termite infestation to look out for in your home.

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Termite Damage
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Termite mud tubes

How to Prevent an Infestation?

  • Remove dead trees, including stumps, leaves, and water-damaged wood from your property. Store firewood at least 20 feet away from your home.
  • Address moisture issues inside and around your property. Termites love moisture and even clogged gutters can cause water to pool and make insulation vulnerable to these wood-destroying pests. 
  • Mulch is frequently used near the home and against the foundation and can serve as a source of food for termites. It also retains moisture, which attracts these destructive pests. Minimize the usage of wood mulch and keep it at least 15 inches from the foundation.
who-knew-2018-pw-5 (1) termites mulch

 

What to Do If You Have an Infestation?

Eastern subterranean termites are destructive and will cause great damage.  Even if you suspect you may have termites, contact EM Pest Control for an inspection and our technician will recommend you a course of treatments. It is better to be safe than sorry!

 

Installing Bait Stations