Subterranean Termites

Family: Rhinotermitidae

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

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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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.