As colonies mature, they produce winged reproductives that leave the nest in swarming flights, which normally occur in the late summer or early fall. Being moisture dependent, and thus hiding themselves well to prevent moisture loss, termites are not easily observed. They are dark brown to black with light gray wings. The soldiers have a cream-colored head with black mandibles and a grayish white body. These termites live and nest in the soil which may originate near buried stumps, logs or other sources of wood as much as 10-20 feet deep.
Termite tubing provides protection from natural enemies and more important, from dehydration.
Subterranean termites may swarm at any time of year but is usually in the spring and fall, depending on weather conditions. Termite Wood Damage Termite Tunnels Termite Tubes Control of the Dampwood termite is most often achieved by replacing structurally unsound wood, eliminating moisture sources and any wood-soil ground contact. Treatments for subterraneans are done to establish a chemical barrier between the sub-soil nest and the home. The application of most termiticides is limited to soil injection, sub-slab injection and trenching. Treatment areas most often cover along foundation walls, around pier supports beneath raised concrete porches that are adjacent to foundation walls, and on occasion patio or garage slabs.