
Subterranean termite colonies can have up to 2 million members! Their colonies are divided into three groups: workers, soldiers and reproductives.
Diet:
Termites eat wood, wallpaper, plastics and fabric made from plants.
Habitat:
Subterranean termites are associated with the soil but can survive without soil contact when constant moisture is available. They construct mud tubes from the ground to building structures. Mud tubes function as an access to structure’s wood and also protection from predators and against desiccation.
Impact:
Subterranean termites are the most destructive kind of termite. They can eat a lot of wood and they can cause a lot of expensive damage to a house! They can destroy building foundations, wooden support beams, plastic plumbing pipes, sub-flooring, insulation … even swimming pool liners and filtration systems! Termites can also injure or destroy living trees and shrubs.
Prevention:
- Make sure water drains away from your house.
- Don’t let water build up around your home’s foundation. Termites like that!
- Replace any damp or damaged wood on the outside of your home.
- Never leave wood scraps in the yard for them to snack on.