Subterranean Termites in Texas
As a homeowner in Texas, protecting your home from pests is essential. One of the most destructive and potentially costly threats to your home is subterranean termites. These small but mighty insects are notorious for silently damaging wooden structures and can wreak havoc before you even realize they're there. If you're a Texas homeowner, understanding subterranean termites and how to spot them can help you protect your home from significant damage.
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are the most common type of termite found in Texas and are responsible for the majority of termite damage to homes across the state. These termites live in colonies underground, where they build intricate tunnels to access wood for food. Unlike drywood termites, which infest wood directly, subterranean termites require moisture, which is why they typically live in the soil near their food sources.
What Do Subterranean Termites Look Like?
Subterranean termites are small insects, typically measuring between 1/8 inch to 1 inch in length. They have soft, pale bodies, often described as translucent or creamy white, which helps them blend into their environment. Their heads are generally small with long, straight antennae, and they have a distinct, straight body shape.
Subterranean termites are highly organized and live in large colonies that can contain hundreds of thousands to millions of termites. The colony is typically made up of workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites (kings and queens), each with unique characteristics:
- Workers are the most numerous and do most of the damage. They are small, soft-bodied, and pale in color. They’re responsible for feeding on wood and other cellulose material.
- Soldiers have larger heads and are equipped with strong jaws to defend the colony. They are typically darker in color, usually brown or yellowish, and have a more pronounced head than workers.
- Swarmers (Reproductive Termites) are winged termites that emerge from the colony to mate and establish new colonies. They are darker in color, often tan or brown, and can be up to 1/2 inch long. After mating, the swarmers lose their wings.
In Texas, homeowners may encounter two common types of subterranean termites: the native subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) and the Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus). While both species are destructive, there are key differences between them.
Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)
The eastern subterranean termite, also known as the native subterranean termite, is the most common termite species found in Texas. It is native to North America and is responsible for the majority of termite damage across the state.
- Appearance: Workers of the eastern subterranean termite are pale, soft-bodied, and about 1/8 inch long. The swarmers are typically light brown to yellowish.
- Colony Size: The colony of eastern subterranean termites can contain up to a million individuals. They generally create less damage per colony compared to Formosan termites, but can still significantly harm wooden structures over time.
- Habitat: Eastern subterranean termites prefer moist soil and typically build their nests in the ground, tunneling up into wood when they forage. They are often found in the soil around foundations, gardens, and other areas with wooden structures.
- Damage: While the eastern subterranean termite is highly destructive, its activity tends to be less aggressive than the Formosan variety. Still, it can cause extensive damage if left untreated, as it feeds on wood from the inside out.
Formosan Subterranean Termite (Coptotermes formosanus)
The Formosan subterranean termite is a more aggressive and invasive species of termite that has been spreading throughout Texas, particularly in areas along the Gulf Coast. Native to Asia, this species was first discovered in the U.S. in the 1960s, and has since caused significant damage in many states, including Texas.
- Appearance: Formosan subterranean termites look similar to the native species, with pale workers and winged swarmers. However, the workers tend to be slightly larger, and the swarmers are typically darker in color, more yellowish-brown to brown, with darker wings.
- Colony Size: The Formosan termite’s colonies are much larger than those of the native species, often exceeding 10 million termites in a single colony. This size contributes to their ability to cause rapid and severe damage.
- Habitat: Formosan termites are more adaptable to different environments and can build their nests in soil, within wooden structures, or even in city utilities like underground pipes. They are known to cause damage to both above-ground and underground wooden structures.
- Damage: Formosan subterranean termites are more aggressive feeders, capable of destroying wood at an alarming rate. A Formosan termite colony can cause extensive damage in a very short time, sometimes leading to structural failures if left unchecked. The Formosan termite is considered one of the most destructive termite species in the world.
How to Tell the Difference Between the Two
Although both types of subterranean termites can cause severe damage, there are some subtle differences you can look out for to help identify the species:
- Swarmers: Formosan termite swarmers tend to be darker in color and slightly larger than those of the native subterranean termite.
- Mud Tubes: The mud tubes created by both species look similar, but Formosan termites tend to build more elaborate and larger mud tubes, often extending across longer distances to reach their food source.
- Colony Size and Activity: Formosan termites are known for their larger colonies and higher feeding rates. If you notice unusually fast wood damage or an unusually large number of termites, it may indicate a Formosan infestation.
How Do Subterranean Termites Affect Texas Homes?
Termite damage is often hidden, making it difficult for homeowners to detect until it becomes a serious problem. Subterranean termites feed on cellulose, which is found in wood and plant materials. As they tunnel through wood, they leave behind hollowed-out and weakened structures. Over time, this damage can cause beams, floors, and walls to become unstable, leading to expensive repairs.
Texas homes are particularly susceptible to subterranean termites due to the state’s warm climate and frequent moisture. The combination of heat and humidity creates an ideal environment for these pests to thrive. Texas homeowners, especially in areas like Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, need to be particularly vigilant.
While termites do not bite or transmit diseases, they still pose a significant danger to Texas homeowners.
Signs of Subterranean Termite Infestation
Recognizing a termite infestation early can save you thousands of dollars in repairs. Some common signs of subterranean termite presence in your home include:
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes as they travel from their colony in the soil to your home’s wooden structures. These tubes are typically found along the foundation of your house or on walls in the basement or crawl space. If you spot mud tubes, it’s a clear indication that termites are nearby.
- Swarming Termites: During the spring, typically between late March and early June, reproductive termites (also called swarmers) leave the colony to mate and start new colonies. If you notice winged termites swarming around windowsills or light fixtures, it's a strong indication that there is an active infestation nearby. Learn how to get rid of swarmer termites.
- Damaged Wood: Subterranean termites chew through wood from the inside out, often leaving behind thin, paper-like layers of wood, while the outer surface may appear intact. Tapping on wood surfaces and hearing a hollow sound can be a sign of termite damage.
- Frass or Droppings: As termites consume wood, they leave behind small piles of droppings, which can resemble sawdust. If you notice these around the base of wooden furniture or beams, it may be a sign of a subterranean termite infestation.
Finding a Pest Control Professional in Texas
When it comes to subterranean termite infestations, it’s crucial to act quickly. While DIY treatments are available, professional intervention is often the most effective option—make sure to choose a licensed and experienced pest control company. Texas residents should look for pest control providers who offer termite inspections, treatment, and prevention services. Be sure to ask about the company’s experience with subterranean termites, as well as their reputation within the community.
For those within the Fort Worth area, look no further than Myles Pest Services. With 35 years of local experience, our team of professional termite exterminators can help you identify and get rid of subterranean termite infestations. Contact our team today to learn more!
FAQ: Subterranean Termites in Texas
We also encourage you to check out our related blog on everything you need to know about termites in Texas.
Do Subterranean Termites Go Away On Their Own?
No, subterranean termites do not leave on their own. Once they establish a colony and begin feeding on wood, they will continue to consume it until the colony is eliminated or their food supply runs out. If left untreated, the infestation will only get worse over time. While there are rare circumstances where a colony might relocate, it’s far more common for termites to remain and cause ongoing damage unless a professional treatment is applied.
If you suspect you have a subterranean termite problem, it's important to contact a pest control professional to perform an inspection and determine the best course of action to eliminate the infestation.
Do Subterranean Termites Go Through Concrete?
Subterranean termites are not capable of directly chewing through concrete. However, they can find cracks, gaps, or holes in concrete foundations, walls, and other structures. They use these small openings to travel through and access the wood or cellulose material inside your home. Termites build mud tubes to protect themselves from the open air as they move from the soil into your home. If your foundation has even the smallest crack or gap, subterranean termites can infiltrate your home.
How Long Does It Take Subterranean Termites to Destroy a House?
The time it takes for subterranean termites to cause significant damage to a home varies, depending on factors like the size of the colony, the extent of the infestation, and the type of wood involved. In a heavily infested home, it could take 3 to 8 years for subterranean termites to cause extensive structural damage. In severe cases, they could compromise the integrity of your home much faster. However, it’s important to note that by the time noticeable damage occurs, the termites may have been active for several years.
That’s why early detection through regular inspections is crucial. A professional pest control company can assess and treat an infestation before it leads to costly repairs.
Which is Worse:Subterranean Termites or Drywood Termites?
Both subterranean and drywood termites are destructive, but subterranean termites tend to be more problematic in Texas. This is because they live in large colonies (often millions of termites) and can cause extensive damage to wood structures over time, especially in moist conditions like those in Texas. They also require direct contact with soil, so they are more common in regions with humid or wet climates.
On the other hand, drywood termites infest dry wood directly and don’t require soil contact. While drywood termites can still be a serious problem, their colonies are generally smaller and less likely to cause damage as quickly as subterranean termites. Overall, subterranean termites are typically more widespread and can cause more rapid damage to homes.