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General Information About Subterranean Termite Control

Subterranean termites are very secretive insects. They spend their entire lives either underground or inside wood. As such, it can be hard to know much about these insects, but in this article, we’re going to cover all of the information you need about subterranean termites and the control process that gets rid of them.

What are subterranean termites?

Unlike other termite pest species, which build their colonies inside of wood, subterranean termites build their nests underground. This comes with numerous advantages, and it allows them to infest multiple pieces of wood at the same time, which is why they can cause so much damage in a short duration. A subterranean termite colony can have millions of members, a large proportion of which can be deployed to any piece of wood.

How do subterranean termite infestations start?

Subterranean termite colonies start with a swarmer that is launched from a mature colony in the vicinity. Swarmers are the reproductive caste of the colony, and they are winged males and females that fly out in large numbers, mate and then start new nests. Most of the swarmers will die before having a chance to start the nest, and many of the nests will not survive, but those that do are on a fast track to becoming a colony.

Infestations will start when a subterranean termite scout finds a piece of wood in the home. The scout will return to the colony, but leave a pheromone trail behind it, which other workers will detect and follow, starting the collection process from the infested wood. Once an infestation has started, it can spread either within the infested piece and the connecting wood, or from the ground up in other pieces of wood.

What to do if you have a subterranean termite infestation

If you have a subterranean termite infestation in your home, the best way to handle it is to work with a pro who will install either a chemical barrier or a baiting system on your property. The pro will inspect the home, and after confirming that subterranean termites are responsible for the infestation, he will recommend the best course of action for your situation and budget.

Contact us today if you have any questions about the subterranean termite control process, or if you have a subterranean termite infestation in your home, and we will help you out with any issues you may have.

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