Subterranean termites are the most common termites found in the United States. These termites cause more than 5 billion dollars in damage each year. Thi s type of termite lives in large colonies, sometimes as large as 60,000 to 180,000. Subterranean termites live in the ground, and look for areas where wood contacts earth. They build tunnels in search of food. They feed on wood or other items that contain cellulose. The swarming subterranean termites are almost black in color with four wings of the same size.

Colony Location
These termites usually swarm in the springtime on sunny days after rain. Subterranean termites usually enter the framing of a structure from the sub area or cracks within a concrete slab. They will nest in the soil to obtain moisture, but will attack any wood, paper, fiberboard, and some fabrics that come into contact with the ground. Some signs of possible subterranean termite infestation include mud tubes, swarming and discarded wings. Mud tubes are made from soil, bits of chewed wood, and excrement from termites.

Treatment
Treatments for the control of subterranean termites include soil chemical treatments, protective wood treatments and correcting earth to wood contacts and excessive moisture conditions. Some chemicals repel them. In doing this type of treatment a continuous barrier must be applied. Other chemicals such as Termidor are undetected by the termites and when they come into contact, they also carry it back to the unsuspecting colony.They then transfer it to other (....?) of the colony. They can do a lot of damage quickly to a home because of their large numbers and the moisture they carry. Don’t wait to call if you suspect these termites.