Ground termites, or subterranean termites, are big fans of tropical climates. Like their dry wood counterparts, they primarily feast on wood and cellulose. Ground termites require consistent moisture to survive and are capable of consuming 15 pounds of wood in a week. If you’re a homeowner, it pays to learn about the conditions ground termites are drawn to, so you can keep these destructive pests away from your home.

Subterranean termites love warm, humid weather and damp or wet conditions. Leaking roofs and pipes, moisture buildup around your home’s foundation, and saturated wood structures are all attractive habitats for ground termites. Don’t assume leaks in your roof or piping system are not ideal for an insect named after the ground—if conditions are right, they also create nests above ground. In fact, ground termites will travel up to 100 yards from their main nest to find food.

Signs of ground termite infestation include mud tunnels on your exterior and interior foundation walls, discarded wings on windowsills, and swarmer termites around windows. Also known as winged reproductives, swarmer termites are pale brownish-yellow to black in color and have wings. They leave their main colonies during warm, humid weather to create new colonies.

Taking care of leaky roofs, pipes, and faulty gutters as soon as you notice a problem is imperative if you want to prevent ground termites from infiltrating your home. Ensure the ground around your foundation remains dry, and use a dehumidifier to keep your home free of excessive moisture. You can also sprinkle diatomaceous earth around your foundation to prevent termites and other pests from entering your residence.

Discuss termite control options with the friendly, experienced team at Dick’s Fumigation Services to avoid expensive house repairs. This Wailuku, HI-based exterminator offers both spot treatments and tent fumigation, and uses only the highest quality equipment to track termites. Call (808) 244-7496 today to schedule an inspection or visit the website for more information.