Eastern Subterranean Termite

Color:
Workers & soldiers translucent white. Swarmers dark brown to black

Size:
Workers & soldiers approximately 1/8 to ¼ inch long

Habits:
Live underground in colonies. Need moisture. Build tubes of mud and saliva to cross concrete and other solid surfaces. Feed on cellulose (wood, etc.) including wood in structures. Winged swarmers produced usually in the spring. Termite swarmers drop their wings – ant swarmers do not.

Habitat:
Colonies usually nest underground but forage above ground for food. Can be found in wooded and open areas.

Threat:
Can seriously damage wood in structures and can cause a structure to collapse. Damage occurs over period of years. May also attack other cellulose products such as paper. Swarmers which emerge indoors die quickly and pose no threat but they are a sign that there is an active colony attacking the structure.

Prevention:
Eliminate water leaks. Keep water away from buildings through gutters and/or proper grading. Keep crawl spaces dry through ventilation and/or vapor barriers. Eliminate all wood-to-soil contacts. Keep outside grade at least 4 inches below siding. If mulching against buildings, pine bark is the least acceptable to termites.