Termites (subterranean)-inhabit the soils of the northeast and will feed on wood, paper and other materials with cellulose content. They attack a structures wood member (sills, joists, beams etc.) by direct wood-to soil contact or by building mud-tubes on foundation walls connecting soil to wood. Damage results from workers excavating nests and creating tunnels in these wood members, thus compromising the integrity of a structure and diminishing its property value. Soil composition plays a big role in the ability of the termites to move through the soil. Sandy and loosely-packed soils are easier for them to move through, while clay or hard-packed soils make movement much more difficult. Required of these termites are high-relative humidity and an unending food source.
Appearance: Swarmers (seen most often) are dark-colored, about 3/8” long, have two pairs of gauzy wings of equal length and have a straight-waist as opposed to an ant’s wasp-like pinched waist. Workers (responsible for damage) are whitish, soft-bodied and are about ¼” in length.
Evidence of: Swarmers (generally seen in Feb., mar. or April), mud-tubes on foundation walls, wood members with excavated tunnels (having dirt-like deposits in them) and sagging walls/floors due to structural damage.
Control method: Exterior bait stations are installed around the perimeter of the structure(s) approx. every 10’ and any interior areas where termites are present, receive localized- treatment. Two-year baiting programs are standard, comprised of an initial installation/treatment followed-up by quarterly visits. Nordstrom Pest recommends a quarterly monitoring service, following the two year baiting program. Pre-construction treatment may be desired in susceptible areas and may actually be required in some instances.