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Subterranean Termites, Rome City Pest Control

Subterranean Termites

Family: Rhinotermitidae

Subterranean termites are social insects that thrive in the warm and humid climate in Northwest Georgia. 

Subterranean termite colonies contain three distinct types including the reproductives (the king, queen, and alates), workers, and soldiers. The different types, or castes, range in size from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch in length, the queen being the largest and the king significantly smaller. 

Alates have long, dark brown bodies with translucent milky-colored wings and can be one of the first signs of an infestation. In early spring these insects cluster and leave the original colony in swarms to find a new home. 

Workers are the smallest of the castes, typically growing 1/4 inch or less in length. They have cream colored bodies and small jaws that help them chew away at wood and move debris. 

Soldiers can be identified by their large mandibles and flat, wide bodies. They tend to have cream colored bodies like the workers, but also have a darker more brownish color head. 

Tips to keep you home termite free!

Prevention is first and foremost. In Northwest Georgia there are around 8 termite colonies per acre, so protecting your home with a termite baiting system or a chemical barrier is the best way to prevent infestation. You can also avoid water accumulation at the home's foundation to eliminate a water source for termites and decrease humidity in the crawl space of your home. Make sure there isn't any wood contacting with the home and the soil and keep a one inch gap between the soil and wood portions of buildings. 

Subterranean Termits: About
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