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How do I know if I have subterranean termites around my house?

Last Updated: March 07, 2012

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To inspect for subterranean termites, look for:

  1. The presence of live termites, especially swarmers (winged forms/alates)
  2. Termite wings (in window sills)
  3. Mud tubes, these earthen tubes are usually ¼" to 1" wide 
  4. Wood damage, sometimes not noticed because the exterior surface usually must be removed to see the damage. However, galleries can be detected by tapping the wood every few inches with the handle of a screwdriver. Damaged wood sounds hollow, and the screwdriver may even break through into the galleries. 

 

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