Eastern Subterranean Termite
Reticulitermes flavipes
Eastern subterranean termites are the most destructive insect in our region of the U.S. Termites live in large colonies that depend upon the worker termites to consume wood or other forms of cellulose in order for the colony to grow and survive. These termite colonies are dependent upon soil contact and the workers will construct mud tubes as they feed inside a structure. Any time you see termite worker mud tubes or the winged form of the termites know as swarmers, contact us quickly so we can inspect your residence or building and apply either a liquid or bait treatment.
RISK LEVEL:
LOW
MEDIUM
HIGH
Risk is defined as how much damage each pest can be to you, your family, or your home
- Presence of swarmers, workers or soldiers.
- Evidence of damage to structure.
- Thorough professional inspection.
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| Class: | Order: | Family: | |
| Insecta | Isoptera | Rhinotermitidae | |
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| Size: | Eastern subterranean termite swarmers are about 3/8 in (9mm) long, including wings. |
| Color: | Body is dark brown to almost black. Wings are translucent to slightly smoky. |
| Characteristics: | Swarmer: Front wing has 2 dark, hardened veins in front part; other veins are not pigmented, with a few barely visible hairs. Front wing scale is larger than hind wing scale. Soldier: Head is rectangular in shape, not narrowed towards front; length is about 1.5 times the width. Mandibles lack teeth and tips curve inward. |
| Geographic Range: | Southern Ontario, Canada south through the eastern United States and into Texas. |
| Food: | Spring wood; the subterranean termite cannot effectively digest the lignin in summer wood. |
| Biology: | Similar to western subterranean termite. After swarming, a pair breaks off their wings and burrows into the soil. Here they mate and the femaile produces only a few eggs the first year, increasing up to 5,000-10,000 eggs a year when she is mature. The queen can live for many years, and workers can live 1-2 years. Swarmers are produced the 3rd or 4th year at the earliest. Swarming occurs in the daytime, typically during the morning of the day following a warm rain. Spring is typically when swarming occurs, but it may possibly be followed by one or more smaller swarms until winter. In the extreme northern states and Canada, swarmers are rarely seen. |
Prevention Tips For
Termites & Wood Destroying Organisms
Termites & Wood Destroying Organisms
- Remove all wood debris that is in contact with the soil
- Store fire wood away from house and off the ground
- Fix any leaks in pipes and drains
- Make sure drainage from the roof is directed away from the house
- Insulate home well to reduce condensation from temperature gradients
- Replace mulch that is close to the home with gravel
- Schedule yearly termite inspections for your home
It only takes a few minutes to start protecting your home today.
Request a FREE inspection
Request a FREE inspection
