Subterranean Termites
Subterranean termites are the most damaging insects of wood. Their presence is hard to notice, and damage usually is found before the termites are seen. Prevent infestations because if they occur, they will almost always need professional pest-control service.
Subterranean termites are native, soil-inhabiting insects that feed on wood, paper and similar materials containing cellulose. They primarily nest underground. They excavate an extensive network of galleries or tunnels in the soil that allow them to travel far distances to locate food. Subterranean termites readily transport soil and water to above-ground sites. Soil provides an environment that satisfies the high moisture requirements of subterranean termites. In order for these soft-bodied insects to keep from drying out, they must be surrounded by relatively high humidity not only when they are in the soil, but also when they are foraging above ground. Cutting off this ground contact with soil moisture is, therefore, the main principle in termite control. Other sources of moisture, such as roof or gutter leaks, defective plumbing, etc., also serve the termites’ needs but only if sustained over long periods.
The economic importance of subterranean termite attacks on buildings is related to the fact that wood members of a building closest to the soil, such as sills, joists, studs, girders and other important load-bearing elements of construction, are most likely to be severely damaged by termites. Failure to stop termite attacks can cause loss of support. Other forms of building deterioration, such as sagging walls, leaking surfaces and wood decay can follow. Heated buildings where wood is in direct contact with or in close proximity to the soil offer termites the ideal environment, a favorable year-round climate, and an abundant sheltered food source.
Maintaining humidity in the feeding cavities is a problem for the termite. Masonry and wood absorb moisture. To reduce such losses, termites line their tunnels with salivary secretions that harden to form a moisture-impervious layer. Although masonry and wood absorb moisture, termites are often unable to feed in wall studs at distances of more than a few feet from the floor because they are too far from their humidity source. Floor joists also represent an increasing linear distance from the moisture source. To provide more moisture to the joists, termites often construct earthen-lined shelter tubes upward to and downward from the joist. Subterranean termites construct tube-like structures from the soil to the wood they are infesting. These structures are called shelter tubes or mud tubes. The tubes are formed from a mixture of soil, wood particles, fecal material and a saliva-like substance. They are simply an extension of the nest above ground serving as protection and a means to regulate moisture.
Subterranean termites are the most damaging insects of wood. Their presence is hard to notice, and damage usually is found before the termites are seen. Prevent infestations because if they occur, they will almost always need professional pest-control service.
Subterranean termites are native, soil-inhabiting insects that feed on wood, paper and similar materials containing cellulose. They primarily nest underground. They excavate an extensive network of galleries or tunnels in the soil that allow them to travel far distances to locate food. Subterranean termites readily transport soil and water to above-ground sites. Soil provides an environment that satisfies the high moisture requirements of subterranean termites. In order for these soft-bodied insects to keep from drying out, they must be surrounded by relatively high humidity not only when they are in the soil, but also when they are foraging above ground. Cutting off this ground contact with soil moisture is, therefore, the main principle in termite control. Other sources of moisture, such as roof or gutter leaks, defective plumbing, etc., also serve the termites’ needs but only if sustained over long periods.
The economic importance of subterranean termite attacks on buildings is related to the fact that wood members of a building closest to the soil, such as sills, joists, studs, girders and other important load-bearing elements of construction, are most likely to be severely damaged by termites. Failure to stop termite attacks can cause loss of support. Other forms of building deterioration, such as sagging walls, leaking surfaces and wood decay can follow. Heated buildings where wood is in direct contact with or in close proximity to the soil offer termites the ideal environment, a favorable year-round climate, and an abundant sheltered food source.
Maintaining humidity in the feeding cavities is a problem for the termite. Masonry and wood absorb moisture. To reduce such losses, termites line their tunnels with salivary secretions that harden to form a moisture-impervious layer. Although masonry and wood absorb moisture, termites are often unable to feed in wall studs at distances of more than a few feet from the floor because they are too far from their humidity source. Floor joists also represent an increasing linear distance from the moisture source. To provide more moisture to the joists, termites often construct earthen-lined shelter tubes upward to and downward from the joist. Subterranean termites construct tube-like structures from the soil to the wood they are infesting. These structures are called shelter tubes or mud tubes. The tubes are formed from a mixture of soil, wood particles, fecal material and a saliva-like substance. They are simply an extension of the nest above ground serving as protection and a means to regulate moisture.