Subterranean Termite Infestations

Subterranean termites can infest a structure during its construction phase if they are present in the soil. Whether the home is occupied or not makes no difference to the termites. Conventional soil barrier treatments to control subterranean termites do not eliminate the termite colony. They do create a treatment zone in the soil at potential entry points into the structure. This causes the termite colony to utilize their other available food sources such as tree roots, fallen limbs, fences, etc. Soil treatment zones are intended to control termites for extended periods of time, however they may be breached due to physical disturbance of the treatment zone (landscaping activities, construction, erosion, etc.), tree roots growing through the treatment zone, natural degradation of the termicide, etc. For these reasons, most termite control treatments are available with renewable warranties.

Your home should be inspected annually, but annual re-treatment of the structure is prohibited. Re-treatment only takes place when there is clear evidence of re-infestation, treatment zone disruption and/or breakdown of the termiticide treatment zone in the soil. Distruption of the treatment zone is usually due to construction, excavation or landscaping.

The main reason stucco homes and subterranean termites don't mix is that the stucco exterior finish often extends beneath the soil level around the exterior of the structure. A small space often develops between the foundation and the stucco finish, and this permits termite entry that is completely hidden from view.

Another situation involves the "synthetic" stucco finishes that have a base layer of rigid foam board. This type also often extends beneath the soil level, and once the termites access the foam, they can move anywhere around the structure. This type of exterior finish is also prone to moisture intrusion, which will help support the termites once they get in.

Subterranean termite swarmers are attempting to pair with a swarmer of the opposite sex from another colony. They must locate a suitable habitat to establish a new colony of their own. They need moist soil, preferably in direct contact with wood, in order to survive. The termites that swarm inside a structure and cannot get out will quickly die from lack of available moisture. The termite colony that produced the swarmers will continue to be active after the swarm has taken place.