Eastern Subterranean Termites

Eastern (or Native) Subterraneans are a highly sneaky termite than can be found anywhere in the United States, except for Alaska. However, they are more commonly found in the Southeast where it is warm and humid. This is the most common species of termite in Florida. A single colony may have a population of up to one million. As their name suggests, they come from underground and find their way into a structure by cracks or joints in the foundation. They build mud tubes, or forage tubes, leading up into the structure that act as highways that allow them to get from their underground residence to the food sources up above.

Termites feed on cellulose, which is a structural component of plant cells. Wood contains cellulose which is why it becomes the main target of destruction. However, termites will destroy non-cellulose materials to get to food. While it is a myth that they can chew through concrete, they most certainly can enlarge gaps in concrete (or whatever else) to get to their food source. They can pass through a crack 1/8″ long so keeping them out can be an extreme challenge. Because they are so secretive, by the time you see evidence of their presence in your home, the infestations has already been years in the making.

The alates will swarm, find a mate, and then find a location to start their own colony. Once they are successfully mated, they will break their wings off and being the colonization process with their queen