Call or Text Us
(210) 281-1064
Se Habla Espanol!
Subterranean termites in San Antonio are one of the most common household pests in this area. They can cause massive damage to your home if left unchecked. These insects live in underground colonies and build mud tunnels to access above-ground food sources, like the wood in your house. If you think you might have a termite problem, it’s important to call a professional pest control company for an inspection. Below you will find more information on subterranean termites, including their habits and how to prevent them from damaging your property.
Subterranean termites are a real problem in San Antonio, Texas, as infestations can cause considerable property damage. Reticulitermes virginicus and Reticulitermes hageni are the two subterranean termite species that can be particularly destructive here. As a termite expert, I implore residents to keep watchful on the signs of subterranean termite activity, including wings in window sills or mud tubes near foundations or lower walls. If there is doubt as to whether an infestation is present, it’s important that homeowners take action and obtain a professional pest control service right away. Ignoring the problem is never a good idea, as untreated infestations can worsen over time.
San Antonio has formosan termites. This species of termite has a far greater destructive ability than other species due to its enormous reproductive capacity. A single Formosan termite colony can potentially contain 1 million individual insects. This a severe pest problem that can cost property owners tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages. Knowledge and awareness are essential when dealing with Formosan termite infestations, as early action and prevention are often the best courses.
The Eastern subterranean termite, Western Subterranean Termite, and Native Subterranean Termite; Each of these are destructive, but they tend to leave some food behind. In contrast, a Formosan subterranean termite will devour every bit of wood it can. Subterranean termites create mud tubes to reach above-ground food sources, and these tunnels can be seen on the exterior or interior of a home or building. Formosan termites do most of their damage within walls, as they are far more secretive than other species. Furthermore, Formosan termites can swarm in more significant numbers than any other species.
Subterranean termites have three primary castes: reproductive, workers, and soldiers. The reproductive caste is the most important in a termite colony; they are the queens and kings responsible for producing the eggs to sustain the colony. The queen is the primary reproductive, while in many colonies, multiple secondary and tertiary reproductive individuals exist. Worker termites form the backbone of the colony; they are responsible for gathering food, constructing shelter, and tending to larvae. Finally, there are soldier termites whose primary purpose is to protect the colony from attack by predators. Each caste has a specific set of tasks that contribute to the overall functioning of subterranean termite society.
Subterranean termite workers are one of the most annoying pests but also one of the most fascinating. They are so small yet can cause a large amount of damage to homes and other wood structures. The colony comprises individuals who specialize in different types of work. The workers collect food and build galleries underground in moisture-rich soils, often leading them to sources of nourishment like plants and wood near your home. Their laboring skills mean that they can build intricate tunnel systems which trap moisture for the entire colony and make it easier for colonies to expand and migrate to new nesting areas. These tiny insects will continue their activities both day and night, meaning that you have almost no time free from the threat of these destructive creatures. Subterranean termites remain relentless in their construction and scavenging. Therefore, obtaining professional San Antonio termite control services is vital to relieve your beloved home from these problematic pests.
Subterranean termite soldiers are fascinating creatures. Scientifically known as Reticulitermes flavipes, these wood-destroying insects are the vanguard of subterranean termite colonies. Their primary duty is to defend the colony and its members against intruders. These brave soldiers will sacrifice their own lives when pest invaders approach to save their colony and its workers. This is an incredible display of bravery, considering these are such tiny creatures, but they have big heads! Pun Intended if you ever see one! However, while they’re small, their defensive capabilities shouldn’t be underestimated - they possess strong mandibles which can inflict powerful bites on possible enemies. Indeed, subterraneous termite soldiers are excellent guardians of their colonies!
Subterranean termite reproductives and swarmers are integral parts of any termite colony competing for food and territory. The winged termite swarmers are the reproductive offspring of the established queen, and their purpose is to swarm to establish a new colony. These winged termites fly above ground, searching for suitable areas to create a new home, replicating this process as long as there are mate pairs left in the original nesting site. As an expert on subterranean termites, I find the swarmer reproductive cycle fascinating.
A Subterranean Termite Colony is a highly organized and efficient social system. As a society, they work together to build and maintain their homes, feed the reproductive termites and the rest of the termite colony, and reproduce future generations. To understand these complex societies, it’s vital to first understand the three main castes: reproductive, workers, and soldiers. These specialized termites each have roles and responsibilities that contribute to the functioning of the subterranean termite colony. Understanding how these three castes work together makes it easier to appreciate why these pests can be so difficult to eradicate from our homes and structures.
Subterranean Termite Infestations require subterranean termite control. A termite invasion can take place years before a homeowner sees a sign, even though there might be infested wood hiding behind your walls. Unlike pest problems such as roaches, rodents, or fleas, subterranean termites live under the soil surface. That is why a chemical barrier performed by a licensed Pest Control Professional is necessary to eradicate the termite infestation.
Subterranean termites are a problem in San Antonio that most homeowners will have to deal with at some point. However, by understanding the subterranean termite castes, you can be better prepared to battle these pests. First, the workers are the most numerous and cause the most damage. The soldiers protect the colony from predators. And finally, the reproductives and swarmers are responsible for creating new colonies. If you find yourself dealing with a subterranean termite issue, call Pest Trappers San Antonio today. Our experts will help you quickly and efficiently eliminate your pest problem.
