What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites are notorious for their destructive habits. Unlike other types of termites, these pests live underground and build intricate tunnels to access their food source — your home. They thrive in moist environments and are especially active in areas with heavy rainfall or where the soil remains damp.
These termites are silent destroyers. By the time you notice their presence, significant damage may already have occurred. Each year, they cause billions of dollars in property damage in the U.S., and unfortunately, your homeowner's insurance is unlikely to cover termite-related repairs.
How to Identify Subterranean Termites
One of the greatest challenges with subterranean termites is that they often remain out of sight, making early detection difficult. However, there are a few telltale signs that your home might already be under attack:
1. Mud Tubes
Subterranean termites build pencil-thin mud tubes as highways between their underground colonies and food sources. These tubes protect them from predators and maintain the moist environment they need to survive. Look for these mud tubes around your foundation, along walls, and even in your crawl spaces.
2. Swarms of Winged Termites
Termite swarms usually occur in the spring or after a heavy rain, as termites search for new places to colonize. If you see a swarm of winged insects near your home, it could be a sign that termites are on the move. Keep an eye out for discarded wings around windowsills, doors, or other entry points, as they shed these after finding a new home.
3. Wood Damage
Subterranean termites eat wood from the inside out. You may notice hollow-sounding wood or blistering in wood flooring and walls. By the time the damage is visible, it’s already extensive.
4. Droppings (Frass)
While subterranean termites are typically hidden, you might find small piles of what looks like sawdust around infested areas. This is termite frass, or their droppings, and it’s another red flag.
Why Subterranean Termites Are So Dangerous
You might think that a few termites are just a nuisance, but these tiny insects can cause catastrophic damage over time.
Here’s why subterranean termites are so dangerous:
1. Structural Damage
Termites eat the cellulose found in wood, paper, and other plant-based materials. When they invade your home, they feast on the structural beams, flooring, and walls. Over time, this can compromise the safety of your home, leading to costly repairs or, in extreme cases, structural failure.
2. Hidden Destruction
Because termites work from the inside out, they’re often not detected until significant damage is already done. They can weaken your home’s framework and make it unsafe to live in long before you even realize they’re there.
3. Fast Reproduction
Subterranean termite colonies can grow rapidly, with the queen laying thousands of eggs per day. Even a small infestation can quickly escalate into a major problem if left unchecked.
What Termites Can Do to Your Home
Subterranean termites are relentless. Once they find a food source — like your home — they’ll continue to feed on it until every last bit of wood is consumed or until you take action to stop them. Here’s a glimpse into what these pests can do to your home:
- Weakened Foundation: Termites can burrow into the foundation of your home, making it unstable and unsafe.
- Ruined Walls: As termites eat through the wood in your walls, you might start to notice sagging, cracks, or a hollow sound when tapping the surface.
- Damaged Floors:
Hardwood floors can become warped and blistered due to termite activity underneath. In some cases, floors may even collapse if the damage is extensive enough.
- Expensive Repairs:
On average, homeowners spend thousands of dollars repairing termite damage. The longer the infestation goes unnoticed, the more expensive the repairs become.
And remember, most insurance companies won’t cover termite damage.
How to Get Rid of Subterranean Termites
If you suspect you have a termite infestation, immediate action is crucial. Here are the steps you need to take to get rid of subterranean termites and protect your home:
1. Professional Inspection
The first step is to schedule a thorough inspection. At GetLocal Services, our pest control experts know exactly what to look for and can identify even the earliest signs of a termite problem.
2. Treatment Options
Once termites are confirmed, our Pros recommend a tailored treatment plan that may include liquid treatments, baiting systems, or a combination of both. Liquid treatments create a chemical barrier around your home, while baiting systems attract termites and eliminate the colony from within.
3. Ongoing Prevention
Even if the termites are eradicated, there’s always a risk of reinfestation. That’s why GetLocal Services offers ongoing termite prevention through our Pest Control Plans. Our Pros will monitor your home regularly and take proactive steps to ensure these destructive pests don’t return.
Protect Your Home with GetLocal Pest & Termite Protection Plan
Subterranean termites are a threat you can’t afford to ignore. The damage they cause can be devastating, but the good news is you don’t have to face it alone. GetLocal Services offers a comprehensive solution through our Silver Plan, designed to protect your home from termites and other pests.
Why Choose the Silver Plan?
- Comprehensive Coverage: Our Silver Plan covers not only termite prevention but also protection against other common pests, giving you peace of mind year-round.
- Routine Inspections: We’ll inspect your home regularly for signs of termites and pests, ensuring any issues are caught early before significant damage occurs.
- Expert Pest Control: Our trained professionals use the latest technology and methods to keep your home safe.
- Affordable Protection: Starting at an affordable rate, the Silver Plan is an investment in the longevity and safety of your home. Think of it as termite insurance — it’s far cheaper than repairing the damage after the fact.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Termites aren’t just a nuisance; they’re a danger to your home and your family’s safety. By the time you see visible damage, the cost to repair your home could be astronomical - we're talking starting at $1,000 in pest remediation and then there's the structural repairs to your home.
Why take that risk?
Sign up for GetLocal Services’ Silver Plan today, and let us help you protect your greatest investment. With routine inspections, expert pest control, and comprehensive termite prevention, we’ll make sure your home remains termite-free.
Don’t wait until termites strike —
call us now to schedule your pest and termite inspection and start protecting your home with our Silver Plan!
Protect your home, your peace of mind, and your future. GetLocal Services has your back.
