Out of all the termite types, subterranean termites do the most damage worldwide. This damage is estimated to be in the billions of dollars each year. The most damaging subterranean termites are Coptotermes species, which include Formosan and Asian termites, and Reticulitermes species, which include the Eastern subterranean termite. All of these termites can be found throughout Florida, except for the Asian termite, which is located primarily in South Florida.
Subterranean termites live and invade from underground, and a single colony can cover one acre underneath a home. They typically live in dark, moist, hidden environments underground but will create and live in carton nests aboveground. These can be found in walls and attics of structures and in nearby trees. To move above the ground, these termites build mud tubes, which are used for detection.
Major Subterranean Termite Species in Florida
Eastern subterranean termite workers and soldier. Photo: Castner, UF/IFAS
Eastern subterranean termite alate. Photo: Castner, UF/IFAS
Formosan termite workers and soldiers. Photo: Castner, UF/IFAS
Formosan termite alate
Asian termite soldiers. Photo: Scheffrahn, UF/IFAS
Asian termite alate and soldiers. Photo: Scheffrahn, UF/IFAS
Subterranean Termite Damage
Extensive damage around window
Formosan mud tube on infested boat. Formosans use mud tubes to travel above ground.
Damage to header
Typical “shredded wheat” interior structural damage
Extensive damage to roof area
To find out more about Formosan termites, visit our Formosan Termite Program page.
To learn more about the Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi, check out the University of Florida publication IN285. This termite, a close relative to the Formosan termite, was found in Miami in 1996 and is spreading throughout Florida.
Prevention and Control for All Subterranean Termite Species
- Have your home annually inspected by a licensed pest control company. Have a pest control professional treat with a non-repellent chemical soil barrier or an in-ground bait system around your home.
- Reduce moisture by extending gutter and drainage systems at least 1 foot away from your home. Keep gutters clean and well maintained.
- Direct sprinklers away from the house.
- Repair any water leaks in or around your home immediately.
- Eliminate wood-to-soil and stucco-to-soil contact.
- Keep mulch and plant material away from the exterior and foundation of your home.
- Repair cracks in your foundation and around your home’s exterior. Termites can use cracks the thickness of a credit card to invade.
- Do not to disturb the termite treatment around your foundation.