Many different species of termites are indigenous to the desert southwestern United States. Two of these species are very prevalent however, often mistaken for each other. Desert termites are very common in Texas, New Mexico and Arizona but they are not the same as subterranean termites, also found in the dry desert states. Both species make their homes in the soil, but subterranean termites, scientifically known as Reticulitermes, are the ones that are notorious for causing extensive destruction to homes.

Subterranean termites need moisture for survival, which is why they usually live beneath the earth. This type of termite lives in very large colonies underground, which can house hundreds of thousands of insects subdivided into a caste system of workers, swarmers, soldiers and egg-laying queens. Subterranean termites travel to sources of food in a home without being seen via mud shelter tubes. These tubes are what covertly give them transport and access to food sources, i.e. the wooden structural elements of buildings. Subterranean termites feed on cellulose-containing materials, such as wood and paper, and all they need is a tiny gap in concrete or brick to get inside the walls and/or foundation of a house or other building. Although these termites primarily feed on wood and wood byproducts, subterranean termites also tunnel through and damage insulation and sheetrock in their quest for food.

A professional pest control company can educate a homeowner on how to kill subterranean termites. There are different types of subterranean termite treatments available, and each treatment method is uniquely catered to each building’s construction and level of termite infestation. There are three main subterranean termite treatments used today. Liquid repellent treatment is typically used in new constructions where termites haven’t yet invaded, while applying liquid non-repellent termiticides is a good option for ridding a building of an existing infestation. The third method is a termite bait system, where bait is left for the termites to bring back and share with the colony, killing them off over time. For more information about treating subterranean termites or to schedule a FREE termite inspection from ACTION Termite Control, call (877) 556-4131 now.