The Eastern Subterranean Termite is the most common and widely distributed termite in North America. These termites are responsible for nearly 2 billion dollarsof damage in homes across the US. They are of particular concern in the Southeast region. Being based in Atlanta, Ga we are all too familiar with the damage that termites can cause.
Eastern Subterranean termites consist of 3 caste systems:
1. Workers-a mature colony can have up to 60,000 to 1,000,000 workers
2. Soldiers-their only job is to protect the colony
3.Reproductives- There are two types:
Primary-King and Queen (Queen can live 30 years)
Secondary- Produced in more mature colonies and can replace the primary reproductives if something happens.
Eastern Subterranean termites need moisture to survive and are almost always located in the ground or have to return to the ground for moisture. These termites build mud tubes, termite highways, to take them from their colony to their food source. Termite are able to enter through cracks less than the width of a business card.
All homes, especially in cities such as Atlanta that are located in the Southeast, should have termite protection on their home. Your home is your biggest investment…Northwest Exterminating is here to help you protect that investment.
Source: NPCA: Field Guide to Structural Pests