Eastern Subterranean Termites

When you live in Georgia, you know about termites, even if you have never seen them. You know they’re a threat to houses and other structures. But is that where your knowledge ends? If so, Bizzy Bee Exterminators has the information you need to know about termites, including why they’re a serious problem, how to prevent them, and what to do if you think they’ve infested your home or business.

What Are Eastern Subterranean Termites?

Eastern subterranean termites are the most common termite species in Metro Atlanta. They live in well-ordered colonies made up of a queen, other reproductives, workers, and soldiers. They live in the soil underground and eat the cellulose found in wood. 

Too much exposure to the sun or air can harm termites, so they are rarely seen out in the open. Only the reproductive termites leave their underground colonies or the areas they are infesting, and they only do so for a short time to find a mate. Because of this, it can be challenging to identify a termite infestation.

Eastern Subterranean Termite Identification

Size & Appearance

• Reproductive termites are dark in color with two sets of wings that they discard after mating. They are around ¼-½ inch in length, including their wings.
• Worker termites are around ⅛ inch long with soft, creamy white bodies.
• Soldier termites are about the same size and color as worker termites, but have blockier heads and large jaws.

Behavior & Habits

• Reproductive termites come out in the open in swarms to find mates. This usually occurs in the spring, after a rain shower.
• Worker termites are responsible for building tunnels and nests, finding food, and caring for the young.
• Soldier termites are responsible for protecting the colony.
• Termites build mud tubes to travel from their nests to food sources. 

Signs of Infestation

• Mud tubes on foundation walls
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Doors and windows that are difficult to open or close
• Peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper
• Sagging ceilings or buckling floors
• Termite swarms or piles of discarded wings

When and Why Eastern Subterranean Termites Swarm

Eastern subterranean termites usually swarm in the spring, often on warm, humid days after rain. Swarming typically happens in the morning or late afternoon, depending on local weather conditions.

Swarming is part of their natural reproductive cycle. These winged termites, called alates, leave their colony to mate and start new colonies. Seeing a swarm is a strong indication that a nearby colony exists, which could put your property at risk if left unchecked.

If you notice swarming termites or piles of discarded wings in or around your structure, it’s important to contact a pest control company that specializes in termite control. 

Why Eastern Subterranean Termites Are a Problem

Termites feed on wood, meaning they can chew through structural components and other wooden elements once they get into a building. The damage can add up quickly with colonies that can number in the hundreds or even millions.

The tricky part is that termites usually stay hidden. It’s entirely possible for a home or business to be infested for months or even years before anyone notices. When signs of termite infestation appear, minor to significant damage has already occurred. That’s why early detection and professional treatment are essential.

Where To Look For Termite Activity

Termite activity can be hard to spot since these pests usually stay hidden. However, there are several signs and places to check:

• Foundation: Termites often build these pencil-sized tubes along foundation walls. They use them to travel while staying protected.
• Wall voids and exposed wood: Check for hollow-sounding wood, tiny holes, or any signs of chewing in floors, baseboards, or window and door frames.
• Crawl spaces and basements: These dark, damp areas are perfect for termites. Look for mud tubes along support beams or signs of wood damage.
• Dead or rotting trees and yard wood: Termites often attack decaying wood outside, leaving rough tunnels or hollow spots.
• Other wood structures: Decks, fences, and firewood piles near your home can also be infested.

Knowing where to look for termites or evidence of these wood-destroying insects can help you catch activity early, before significant damage occurs.

How to Prevent Termite Infestations

Keeping termites out of your house takes forethought. Along with an ongoing termite protection through Bizzy Bee Exterminators, you can also implement these preventative strategies on your own:

• Reduce moisture inside and outside 
• Replace water-damaged wood
• Eliminate wood-to-soil contact outside
• Seal entry points
• Create a gap between wood mulch and your foundation or eliminate wood mulch entirely

How to Exterminate Termites

You must eliminate a termite infestation if you have one. These pests won’t leave willingly; the longer they remain, the more termite damage you’ll have. The only effective way to eliminate them is with professional termite control.

Bizzy Bee Exterminators offers proven termite control for active infestations and preventative treatments. Our services are nonintrusive, people—and pet-friendly, and offer superior termite protection!  

FAQs About Eastern Subterranean Termites 

Are Eastern subterranean termites dangerous?

Eastern subterranean termites aren’t harmful to people or pets—they don’t bite or spread disease. The real danger comes from the damage they can cause to buildings. Termites feed on wood, and a single colony can quickly compromise structural components, support beams, flooring, and other wooden elements in your home or business.

One crucial point many homeowners don’t realize is that most standard homeowners' insurance policies don’t cover termite damage. That’s because termite damage is considered preventable through proper maintenance. Unlike sudden events like fires or storms, insurance assumes homeowners should take steps to protect their property from infestations.

What bugs can be mistaken for termites?

Carpenter ants and termites look similar and are often mistaken for one another. They both cause damage to wooden structures, so you don’t want either in your house. However, they require very different treatments to eliminate them, so it’s important to have a professional inspect your home to identify them correctly.

Why are Eastern subterranean termites a problem in Georgia?

Carpenter ants and termites can look quite similar, and it’s easy to confuse them. Both can cause damage to wooden structures, so you don’t want either in your home. The tricky part is that they require different treatments, so having a professional inspect your property is the best way to ensure the problem is correctly identified and handled.

Contact Our Local Pros for Proven Termite Protection

Whether termites are active in your home or business, or you want to ensure they don’t infest, professional termite control is a must! Contact Bizzy Bee Exterminators for the most effective termite treatments.