How to Identify Subterranean Termites

Subterranean Termites
Subterranean Termites

We believe at Allison Pest Control that the best way to offer Monmouth and Tom’s River pest control services is by first teaching home and business owners how to identify harmful insects that live in New Jersey.

Subterranean termites are nearly invisible to the untrained eye and they can cause thousands of dollars worth of damage and lengthy repairs.

You can identify subterranean termites two ways:

Property Damage

Wood damage such as holes and tunnels often indicates termite infestation, but different insects leave different markings. Additionally, wood damage isn’t the only indicator. Look for:

  • Damage along the wood grain instead of across it.
  • Holes and tunnels in the soil or mud in plant boxes or near trees, shrubs, foundations, walls, decks, steps and fences.

Physical Appearance

Termites live in colonies that have a queen, other reproductives, workers and soldiers. Most termites are about 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. Look for:

  • Specific castes – Reproductives have thin, uniform-shaped white, cream, pale yellow/brown or black bodies with or without gray wings. Workers have wider, wingless white or cream bodies. Soldiers have larger heads and mandibles than workers.
  • Ant comparisons – Termites look similar but have wider waists, straight antennae and little wing variation.

If you suspect you have a subterranean termite infestation, never attempt D-I-Y eradication. Contact us through any of our region-specific numbers today. Allison Pest Control has been helping New Jersey residents for almost a hundred years!