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Subterranean Termites

Subterranean Termites in Florida

Subterranean termites are the most common termite threat in Florida—learn how to identify mud tubes, spot early warning signs, and protect your home with professional inspection and proven treatment solutions.

What Are Subterranean Termites?

Subterranean termites are the most common and destructive termite species in Florida. They live in large colonies underground and travel through mud tubes to reach wood structures above the soil. Because they require constant moisture to survive, they typically enter homes through foundation cracks, slab joints, and areas where wood is in direct contact with the ground.

Key Characteristics:

  • Live in underground colonies and build protective mud tubes
  • Require soil contact and moisture to survive
  • Can cause significant structural damage if left untreated

Where Do Subterranean Termites Live in Florida?

Subterranean termites are found throughout the entire state of Florida, from coastal communities to inland cities. The combination of warm temperatures, sandy soil, and consistent moisture creates ideal conditions for colonies to thrive year-round.

These termites build their nests underground and travel through mud tubes to access homes and commercial buildings. They are most commonly found near foundations, slab cracks, crawl spaces, and areas where wood comes into contact with soil, making routine inspections especially important for Florida property owners.

Map Source: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

How Evergreen Treats Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termite treatment in Florida requires a strategic approach that targets colonies at their source while protecting your home from future entry. At Evergreen Lawn & Pest Control, we begin with a detailed inspection of the foundation, slab areas, crawl spaces, and moisture-prone zones to confirm activity and assess structural risk. 

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Subterranean Termite FAQs

  • Common signs include mud tubes along foundations or walls, hollow-sounding wood, bubbling or blistering paint, and swarms of winged termites in the spring. Because subterranean termites travel underground, damage is often discovered after structural wood has already been compromised.
  • Yes. Subterranean termites are the most common termite species in Florida. The state’s warm climate and sandy soil provide ideal conditions for large underground colonies to remain active year-round.
  • Subterranean termites typically enter through foundation cracks, slab joints, expansion gaps, plumbing penetrations, or areas where wood is in direct contact with soil. Even small structural openings can allow access to a home.
  • Because colonies can contain hundreds of thousands of termites, damage can progress steadily over time. Early detection and professional treatment are essential to minimizing repair costs and protecting the structural integrity of your property.
  • Professional soil barrier treatments combined with advanced baiting systems are among the most effective solutions. A customized treatment plan based on a thorough inspection offers the best long-term protection against subterranean termite activity.

Info

Subterranean Termites

Drywood Termites

Formosan Termites

Primary Nest Location

Underground in soil

Inside dry wood

Underground, but can build above-ground carton nests

Soil Contact Required?

Yes

No

Yes (but highly adaptable)

Common Entry Points

Foundation cracks, slab joints

Attics, soffits, exposed wood

Foundation, structural voids, expansion joints

Colony Size

Moderate to large

Smaller colonies

Extremely large (can reach millions)

Speed of Damage

Steady, progressive damage

Slower but hidden damage

Very aggressive and fast-spreading

Visible Warning Signs

Mud tubes, swarmers, hollow wood

Frass (pellet droppings), kick-out holes

Mud tubes, swarmers, extensive structural damage

Typical Treatment Method

Soil barriers, bait systems

Localized wood treatments or fumigation

Advanced soil treatments, bait systems, specialized control

Primary Nest Location

Subterranean Termites Underground in soil
Drywood Termites Inside dry wood
Formosan Termites Underground, but can build above-ground carton nests

Soil Contact Required?

Subterranean Termites Yes
Drywood Termites No
Formosan Termites Yes (but highly adaptable)

Common Entry Points

Subterranean Termites Foundation cracks, slab joints
Drywood Termites Attics, soffits, exposed wood
Formosan Termites Foundation, structural voids, expansion joints

Colony Size

Subterranean Termites Moderate to large
Drywood Termites Smaller colonies
Formosan Termites Extremely large (can reach millions)

Speed of Damage

Subterranean Termites Steady, progressive damage
Drywood Termites Slower but hidden damage
Formosan Termites Very aggressive and fast-spreading

Visible Warning Signs

Subterranean Termites Mud tubes, swarmers, hollow wood
Drywood Termites Frass (pellet droppings), kick-out holes
Formosan Termites Mud tubes, swarmers, extensive structural damage

Typical Treatment Method

Subterranean Termites Soil barriers, bait systems
Drywood Termites Localized wood treatments or fumigation
Formosan Termites Advanced soil treatments, bait systems, specialized control

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