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Pest control for your business
Presto-X provides termite control for businesses.
Subterranean termites are one of the most common types of termites found across the U.S. These pests live in large colonies underground and can cause serious issues if they make their way into a home. Knowing how to spot them and understanding their habits can help protect your home or business from a subterranean termite infestation. This guide covers subterranean termite facts, how to identify them, and what to do if you find them.
Quick facts about subterranean termites
- Subterranean termites are among the most common types of termite in the U.S.
- Workers are pale, soft-bodied, and about 1/5 to 2/5 of an inch long.
- They live in large underground colonies and rely on soil moisture to survive.
- Signs of infestation include mud tubes, bubbling paint, hollow-sounding wood, and discarded wings.
- They eat wood from the inside, leaving a thin shell and possible structural damage.
What are subterranean termites?
Subterranean termite identification starts with recognizing their appearance. Workers are pale, soft-bodied, and about one-fifth to two-fifths of an inch long. They have broad waists, straight antennae, and no eyes. Soldiers look similar but have larger, brown amber- or orange-colored heads with strong jaws used for defense.
Reproductives, also known as swarmers, are darker in color and have two pairs of wings of equal length.
Habitat, diet, life cycle, and behaviors
Are subterranean termites dangerous?
How to get rid of subterranean termites
Habitat, diet, life cycle, and behaviors
Subterranean termites live and work in well-organized colonies. Each termite plays a role in keeping the colony going, from finding food to protecting the nest.
These termites build their colonies underground and need moisture to survive. Soil provides the damp conditions they need, which is why you’ll often find them near foundations or inside crawl spaces. They build mud tubes to travel above ground without drying out. These tubes allow access to wood and other cellulose materials, which are key to their survival.
Subterranean termites eat cellulose, the main substance in wood and many plant-based materials. This includes structural wood, cardboard, paper, and even insulation. Once inside a structure, they can quietly consume wood from the inside out, leaving only a thin layer behind. This feeding can go unnoticed for years.
The termite life cycle starts with a mating pair: the king and queen. The queen lays thousands of eggs over her lifetime, and the king remains nearby to continue mating. Eggs hatch into nymphs that grow into workers, soldiers, or reproductives, depending on the needs of the colony. When it's time to expand, swarmers leave to start new colonies.
Subterranean termites stay hidden as much as possible. They avoid light and air exposure, which is why they create protective tubes for travel. They usually swarm in spring when winged termites leave the nest to mate and form new colonies. Spotting a swarm indoors often points to an active subterranean termite infestation.
Are subterranean termites dangerous?
While they don’t bite or sting humans, subterranean termites can cause costly structural damage if left untreated. Over time, their feeding habits can damage walls, flooring, and support beams. If you suspect termite activity, it’s best to have us inspect the property right away. Early action can help limit damage and make termite control more manageable.
How to get rid of subterranean termites
Subterranean termite colonies can be hidden deep in the soil or behind walls. Our technicians will use targeted liquid and/or bait treatments to help eliminate infestations and prevent them from returning.
For complete peace of mind, the most effective way to get rid of termites is to call in pest control professionals like Presto-X. Our technicians know where to look, what to treat, and how to help prevent future problems.
What are the signs of subterranean termites?
One of the most common signs is the presence of mud tubes along walls, foundations, or crawl spaces. These tubes help termites travel safely between their colony and food sources. You might also notice bubbling paint, damaged wood that sounds hollow when tapped, or discarded wings left behind by swarmers.
Subterranean termite prevention tips
To help reduce the risk of infestation:
- Fix leaking pipes and drainage issues.
- Keep firewood and mulch away from the foundation.
- Seal cracks in concrete and gaps around utility lines.
- Schedule regular inspections.
While these steps can help, termite control is often needed to help fully protect your home, especially in areas where subterranean or drywood termites are common.
Need help with termite pest control?
If you’ve spotted signs of termites or simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help. Our expert technicians understand the behavior of these pests and use proven methods to help tackle even tough infestations. Contact us to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward effective residential or commercial termite control.
Frequently asked questions
They don’t harm people directly, but they can cause serious damage to wooden structures over time.
Only the reproductives, called swarmers, can fly. They shed their wings after finding a place to start a new colony.
They are a common type of termite that lives in the soil and feeds on cellulose found in wood and other materials.
Yes, they feed on wood and other materials that contain cellulose, which can weaken structural parts of buildings.
Yes, swarmers leave the nest—usually in spring—to mate and start new colonies. Seeing a swarm indoors can be a sign of an infestation.