Termite control methods vary depending on the type of termite involved. Drywood termites have the ability to nest in dry wood without any contact with moist soil. Subterranean termites must nest in the ground as they require the moisture soil provides. Drywood termites may be controlled with fumigation, also known as "tenting." Subterranean termites however, cannot be controlled by fumigation. They require either soil treatments or baiting methods for control.

Termite control methods vary depending on the type of termite involved. Drywood termites have the ability to nest in dry wood without any contact with moist soil. Subterranean termites must nest in the ground as they require the moisture soil provides. Drywood termites may be controlled with fumigation, also known as "tenting." Subterranean termites however, cannot be controlled by fumigation. They require either soil treatments or baiting methods for control.

According to experts, most termite damage in the U.S. is caused by subterranean termites. The reason is their wide distribution, especially in the southern states. By comparison most drywood termites are located in coastal regions. The annual bill in the U.S. for termite control and damage repair exceeds $4.5 billion.

To gain entrance to a home, subterranean termites prefer wood that is in contact with the soil. If they cannot find such a situation they can build "mud tubes" from the soil to the wood. Mud tubes are essentially "termite highways" that allow termites access to the wood without being exposed to either weather or predators.

The nature of termites is to remain hidden. They avoid exposure to the outside environment. In addition to the use of mud tubes, they also prefer to remain hidden on the inside of wood. This makes termite control all the more difficult. Infested wood may appear perfectly normal on the outside while the inside is largely eaten away.

Due to the elusive nature of subterranean termites, signs of their activity are minimal. First, look for mud tubes as these are a warning sign. Fresh accumulations of wings are another warning sign. If suspicious areas of wood are located, tap the areas lightly with the handle of a screwdriver. Hollow sounds are another warning sign. Call a termite control professional to confirm your suspicions.

Experts have found that there are 2 ways to control subterranean termites, either by soil treatments or by baiting systems. Each method of termite control has advantages and disadvantages. Many homeowners consider soil treatments to be disruptive. In addition, large amounts of chemicals are used. On the other hand, the colonies are eliminated fairly quickly and protection will continue for several years.

Baiting systems offer small pieces of wood as bait. When the termites locate and begin eating the wood, it is replaced with a small amount of slow acting poison. As the poison is taken back to the colony and shared, the colony will die. On the plus side this system is not disruptive and that very little poison is used. The down side of this termite control system is that it takes time, usually several months to work, and the cost is a bit more than soil treatment.

Understanding subterranean termites, as well as their behaviors and preferences, is the first step in termite prevention. The next step is identifying potential trouble spots and making the changes necessary to reduce the risk of infestation. Professional termite inspections are a key to damage prevention. If an infestation is spotted, proper termite control methods by a professional is required.