Training Guide for Subterranean Termites in Homes & Appartments
Prevention Tips
This specific type of termite can be very expensive to eliminate. Their nest are located in the ground which you may encounter seeing the mud tubes they build on exterior wood timbers to travel and feed on the wood timbers in your home. The mud tubes provide a certain amount of moisture to keep the nest fully functional. If you notice these western subterranean termites or mud tubes in or around your home, you are recommend to call the professionals at Eagle Pest Eliminators to get an expert opinion on what it will take and cost to eradicate these pest from your home.
Western subterranean termites
Western subterranean termites regularly infest homes in South Western Washington State. Some areas known to have Subterranean Termites in Washington State and Puget Sound areas include but are not limited to: Seattle, Tacoma, Covington and areas south of these cities.
The queen termite is an egg laying machine; her body is enormous compared to her off-spring; she can live more than 25 years and produce more than 2,000 eggs a day.
The king and queen live in a central chamber and are tended by the workers.
The workers are by far the largest caste in the western subterranean termite colony and
the one that does the damage; they are a creamy translucent color, soft bodied and carry out all work in the nest, including gathering food (timber and other cellulose); constructing tunnels; repairing and enlarging the colony nest; grooming each other and feeding the soldiers, the king, queen and also caring for the young nymphs until mature.
IDENTIFICATION
Western subterranean worker termites are small in size, about half the size of match-head or 1/8″ long and are soft bodied insects. They have no wings, are sterile, blind and work 24 hours a day for their entire 2 year life span.
The soldiers are the defenders of the colony, particularly against marauding ants – with whom they have engaged in a relentless war lasting 250 million years.
IDENTIFICATION: the soldiers have an orange colored rectangular armored head with mandibulate pinchers which they use to crush the ants. On their forehead is a fontanelle (frontal gland pore) used to emit a sticky latex to ensnare the ants.
The soldier termite is usually the first to be seen in large numbers when any active termite workings (mud shelter tubes or damaged timber) are opened. Soldier termites will rush out to guard the opening whilst worker termites repair the breach.
The swarmers (reproductives) are called “alates”
and are commonly seen when they swarm during daylight; they have eyes; are poor fliers but are swept along by the wind; they land, drop their wings, find a mate to become king and queen of a new termite colony.
IDENTIFICATION: The western subterranean termite swarmers are about 3/8″ long (including wings) with a dark brown body and a small fontanelle (frontal gland pore) on its head. Their wings are brownish grey with two dark solid veins along the forefront of the front wings. The front wing is distinctly larger than hind wing.
When you contact us for an estimate, our certified technicians will inspect your home and provide you with a detailed plan to eliminate those unwanted invaders. They will also discuss treatment options to ensure you are informed before they take any action.
Call our staff today at 425-398-7365. We will provide you with peace of mind, valuable information, and affordable service. We’ll get back to you within 1 business day.