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Homeowners should be aware of pests that may infest their houses and properties. Subterranean termites are widespread in the Kentucky area and pose unique threats to a home’s structure. However, you can prevent issues if you know what you’re looking for. Below is a beginner’s guide to this termite species to help you limit the risk of an infestation. 

What Do They Look Like?

Subterranean termites begin as eggs that look like small brown ovals. The bugs turn into brown nymphs that feature one body segment, a head, two pincers, and eight legs. Soldiers are larger, have darker heads, and protect the colony from invasion.  

Workers are lighter-hued and resemble ants with two-part bodies. These termites eat wood and create tunnels. You’re most likely to encounter these bugs as they try to find food and make new homes. Reproductive termites feature wings and go from one colony to another to find mates and start new lines. These insects may be queens, kings, or swarmers whose only duty is to make new termites.

Where Do They Live?

subterranean termitesSubterranean termites are common in warm areas with high humidity levels. They often reside along the Gulf Coast, Hawaii, and California, as well as the Southern states. 

Homeowners likely encounter these insects eating through cellulose materials, like firewood in the backyard, papers in the basement, or mortar in the foundation. Moderately aggressive colonies will eat around seven pounds of wood in a year, while more aggressive colonies may consume more than 1,000 pounds annually. 

How Should I Prevent & Treat Them?

Continuous treatment of the affected area will kill off all stages of subterranean termites. Pest control companies often treat existing homes with chemicals around the foundation to prevent them from entering the structure. They can also pre-treat new construction and use yearly monitoring stations to diagnose infestations and quickly stop them from increasing.

 

Homeowners concerned about subterranean termites should contact Advanced Termite & Pest Control in Cumberland County, TN, to schedule a free inspection. The exterminator team offers residential and commercial services to remove rodents, ants, wasps, and scorpions. Call the Crossville-area company at (866) 636-2687 or visit the website for information on their services in the Bledsoe, Putnam, Fentress, White, and Roane Counties. 

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