Termites are social insects that eat wood. 
There are two basic types of termites, those 
that live entirely in wood (Drywood & Formosan)
, and those that can tunnel into the ground 
(Subterranean).

Most termites are the subterranean type and are 
able to tunnel in the soil. The ability to tunnel 
allows them to find many separate pieces of wood, 
on which to feed. Since they are not limited to one 
piece of wood, their colonies can be much bigger than 
those of wood-inhabiting species. Usually their 
colonies number from hundreds of thousands to several 
million. The mother of the colony is usually quite 
grossly pregnant. These mothers are the mothers of 
all mothers, so to speak. Hence, they are called queens. 

The soil-tunnelling termites have a more advanced caste 
system with true workers. True workers are never able to 
become alates although they can become soldiers and 
sometimes they even transform into special reproductives 
called ergatoids. Soldiers of subterranean termites have 
a gland on the head that secretes defensive chemicals. 
The soldier jaws are modified in many weird and wonderful 
ways; they may be sword-like, serrated, toothed, hooked, 
rod-like, etc. Some soldiers have extraordinary snapping 
mandibles. In another group, the mandibles are regressed 
to tiny points while the defensive gland is produced 
forward as a nose; these are the nasute termites. 

Many subterranean termites have specialized diets and 
may eat plant litter, grass, dung or humus, instead of 
wood. In tropical areas many subterranean termites build 
nests or mounds which are among the most impressive 
examples of animal architecture.


"I suspect that my home may have termites. 
How can I tell if I have a termite infestation and what 
are the signs of damage associated with termites?"

Termites feed on cellulose in wood and paper products such 
as books, cardboard, and various other items. Termite 
damage in homes is usually not obvious until significant 
damage has occurred. Sometimes homeowners first notice 
termites when they  swarm. Swarmers are 
"winged reproductives" that leave the colony in a 
swarm to mate, reproduce, and start new colonies. Yet, 
it's the worker termites - small, creamy white insects 
that are seldom seen -- that are the most numerous and 
the cause most of all the termite damage. There are many 
species of termites that can infest homes under a variety 
of conditions.

      

Subterranean termites, the most common type, build nests 
in the ground and often construct mud tubes on structures. 
They use the mud tubes as passageways to explore for food 
and travel to and from the soil. If you suspect that you 
have a termite infestation, you should have your home 
thoroughly inspected by a termite specialist. 
Professional termite inspectors are trained to locate 
specific areas in your home where a termite attack is most 
likely to occur. If termites are found, the specialist can 
design a treatment plan to control current infestations 
and to protect your home from future infestations.



How Termites Enter The Home

The most common termite, the subterranean, builds its nest 
in the ground. These termites construct mud tubes which 
are used to explore for food and connect their underground 
nest to that food source. They can enter a building without 
direct wood contact with the soil through such tubes.

Termites can enter buildings through cracks, expansion 
joints, hollow bricks or concrete blocks around plumbing. 
They can find their way into a structure through an opening 
as small as 1/32 of an inch.

Any building, whether constructed with slab, basement or 
crawl space foundations, can be targets for termite 
infestation.

 "I don't have a termite problem in my house now 
and I want to make sure I don't get one 
in the future. What can I do to make my 
home less susceptible to termites?"

There are several things you can do to help make your home 
less susceptible to termites: 

· Look for excessive moisture 
in and around your home especially in basements and crawl 
spaces. Termites require moisture to successfully live 
and breed in structures. Reducing moisture problems in 
and around your home will decrease the likelihood of 
termite attack. Repair leaking pipes, water lines and 
fixtures that may wet any wooden parts of your home. 

· Stack firewood, lumber and other wooden items several 
feet away from your home and plant flowerbeds and other 
frequently watered ornamentals as far away from the 
perimeter of your house as possible. 

· Ideally, wood-containing mulches should be placed at 
least one foot away from the foundation of your home. 
Wood used in decks and porches should be pressure treated. 

· Outdoor lights with white bulbs may attract night 
swarming termites, especially in the spring. 
Try replacing white bulbs with yellow or pale amber.

Commonly Asked Questions About Termite Treatment

 •  What is a termiticide?

It is a type of chemical used for the control of termites. 
Each is extensively tested for effectiveness by the U.S. 
Forest Service and registered by the 
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

  
 •  Will the wood in my home be treated?

Direct treatment of the wood is seldom done since the 
soil application procedure will eliminate the majority 
of subterranean termite problems. If required, 
there are special products available to the 
professional to effectively remove termites from the 
wood.

  
 •  Will there be an odor?

There might be a slight odor from the treatment but 
it should only last a short period of time.

  
 •  Are termiticides a danger to my health?

Studies show that when termiticides are applied 
according to label directions no adverse health 
effects occur to persons applying the product or 
to occupants of the treated building.