How to Avoid Subterranean Termites: A Comprehensive Guide

Subterranean termites are a formidable foe for homeowners, capable of causing significant damage to wooden structures and foundations. These pests thrive underground and can go unnoticed until the damage is severe. Fortunately, there are effective strategies to prevent these wood-destroying insects from invading your home. This article outlines practical steps you can take to protect your property from subterranean termites.

Understanding Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites live in colonies that can number in the millions. They build their nests in soil and require moisture to survive. Unlike other types of termites, such as drywood termites, subterranean termites typically enter homes from the ground up. They can travel through mud tubes, which they construct to maintain moisture while navigating between their nest and food sources.  If you break open these mud tubes, you will see small larva-looking workers traveling along in the tubes.

Prevention Strategies

1. Maintain a Dry Environment

Termites thrive in moist conditions. Keeping your home dry is one of the most effective prevention methods. Here are some steps to ensure your home remains moisture-free:

• Fix Leaks: Regularly inspect and repair leaks in plumbing, roofs, and basements. Ensure that gutters and downspouts are functioning properly to direct water away from the foundation.  Many times termites are found during bathroom remodels.  If bath traps are not sealed with concrete or tar and plumbing pipes leak, that will draw termites to the surface and they will find your wood framing.
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in attics, crawl spaces, and basements to reduce humidity. Use fans or dehumidifiers if necessary.  Crawl spaces also should be as dry as possible.  While doing an inspection I found a water leak from a pipe just last week.  There is no telling how long it had been leaking.
• Drainage: Ensure proper drainage around your home’s foundation. Grade the soil to slope away from the house, preventing water accumulation.
• Seal Entry Points

Termites can enter your home through tiny openings. To minimize this risk, inspect your home for potential entry points:

• Cracks and Gaps: Seal cracks in the foundation, walls, and around windows and doors with caulk or expanding foam. Pay special attention to areas where utilities enter the home.  Termites have been known to tunnel up the drain pipes in crawl spaces or the grounding straps under pier and beam homes.  They can also enter weep holes on stone houses.
• Joints and Interfaces: Ensure that any joints between building materials are tightly sealed to prevent access. Another access point I have seen is when a slab is poured up against an existing slab for a room addition. This small gap that is usually filled with a wood expansion joint will lead to a future infestation because it is now hidden inside a wall.
• Termimesh is another preventative mesh product applied around plumbing penetrations during the home-building process that is effective in preventing termites from ever entering a structure.  It can be done in addition to a boric acid treatment for complete protection that will last a lifetime.
• Remove Wood-to-Ground Contact

Wood in direct contact with soil creates an easy access point for termites. Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk:

• Foundation Inspection: Ensure that wooden structures like decks, fences, and porch steps are at least six inches above ground level.  Also make sure landscape materials like rock and stone are not above the foundation.  This blocks weep holes and also buries the base of your wall underground where termites reside.
• Wood Storage: Store firewood, lumber, and other wooden materials at least 20 feet away from your home and elevate them off the ground.  Termites and other wood destroying insects will decompose the wood and eventually find more wood in the form of your house!
• Landscaping Considerations

Your landscaping choices can impact your home’s vulnerability to termites. Here are some landscaping tips:

• Mulch Management: Avoid using wood mulch directly against your foundation. Opt for alternatives like rubber mulch or stone.  Avoid over-mulching just like the example of bringing stone too high above the foundation.
• Tree Trimming: Keep trees and shrubs trimmed back from the home to reduce moisture accumulation and prevent easy access for termites.  This also allows for a better inspection for the technician that is looking for termite activity.
• Routine Inspections

Regular inspections are vital for early detection of termite activity. Here’s how to go about it:

• Professional Inspections: Hire a pest control professional for an annual termite inspection. They have the expertise to identify signs of infestations.  They can also distinguish between termites and ants, which some homeowners mistake for each other.
• DIY Checks: Periodically inspect your property for mud tubes, discarded wings, or damaged wood. Look for soft or hollow-sounding wood, which can indicate termite damage.  Mud tubes on drywall around plumbing pipes is also another sign of infestation.  I always encourage customers to look around their foundation for mud tubes periodically and I do more throrough inspections every year or two, and also check the foundation as I treat the perimeter.
• Use Termite-Resistant Materials

When building or renovating, consider using materials that are less attractive to termites:

• Concrete and Steel: Use concrete and steel for foundations, posts, and beams where possible.
• Pressure-Treated Wood: When using wood, opt for pressure-treated options that are less susceptible to termite attacks.
• Chemical Treatments

While prevention is key, some homeowners may choose to use chemical treatments to deter termites:

• Termiticides: Consult a pest control professional about applying termiticides around your home’s perimeter. These chemicals can create a barrier that termites cannot cross.  The treatment involves digging a small trench around the entire foundation then treating it with liquid termiticide.  These treatments will give you termite control for 5-7 years on average. Beware of pest control operators who use subpar products for a very cheap price! 

• Boric Acid: This is a less toxic option that can be used in certain areas. It acts as a stomach poison to termites when ingested.  Orthoboric acide is mixed with water to become a liquid form that is applied to wood framing during the construction process or remodeling.  It will also kill termites that try to tunnel over the treated wood.  The best part of this treatment is that is will last the lifetime of the wood as long as it is not exposed to moisture.

Conclusion

Preventing subterranean termites requires vigilance and proactive measures. By maintaining a dry environment, sealing entry points, managing landscaping, and conducting routine inspections, you can significantly reduce the risk of termite infestations. Consider professional assistance for inspections and treatments, and stay informed about the best practices for termite prevention. With these strategies in place, you can protect your home from the destructive forces of subterranean termites and ensure your property remains safe and sound.