Arid Land Subterranean Termites: How to Identify and Get Rid of Them

Arid land subterranean termites are a unique species of termite that adapts to survive in dry environments. While they primarily feed on native plants like creosote and greasewood, these termites pose a hidden threat to homeowners. Although it’s rare, they can shift their focus to wooden structures in times of scarcity, making them a concern for residential areas.

This comprehensive article will explore everything you need to know about arid land subterranean termites. We will provide detailed insights, from identifying their distinct characteristics to understanding their behavior and habitats. Additionally, we’ll offer effective solutions for preventing and controlling infestations in your home. 

What Are Arid Land Subterranean Termites?

Arid land subterranean termites, scientifically known as Reticulitermes tibialis, are a distinct species within the subterranean termite group. Although they share many physical similarities with other subterranean termites, they are unique in their habitat preferences and behaviors.

• Habitat preferences: Arid land subterranean termites thrive in drier environments, unlike their relatives. They are commonly found in deserts, canyons, and sand dunes, indicating their adaptation to arid conditions.

• Diet: These termites primarily feed on natural sources like logs, creosote, and greasewood bushes. Their diet is closely linked to their habitat, relying on the sparse vegetation found in arid landscapes.

• Social structure: Like other types of termites, arid land subterranean termites exhibit a complex social structure with three major castes: reproductive (alates), workers, and soldiers. Each caste plays a specific role in the colony, contributing to its survival and expansion.

• Colony formation: Reproduction in arid land subterranean termites involves alates (winged male and female reproductives). These alates leave their original colony in a swarm, eventually shedding their wings to initiate new colonies. 

• Swarming: The reproductive cycle of these termites is influenced by elevation. At altitudes below 4,000 feet, they typically swarm between January and March. In contrast, at altitudes above 4,000 feet, swarming occurs between June and July. 

Due to their preference for arid areas, which typically have lower human population densities, arid land subterranean termites are less likely to infest homes compared to other termite species. This makes them a less common pest in residential areas, although they can still pose a threat under certain conditions.

What Do Arid Land Subterranean Termites Look Like?

Identifying arid land subterranean termites can be a challenge, as they share similarities with other subterranean termite species and even some ant species. Here’s a quick breakdown of their main characteristics:

• Swarmers: The reproductive caste of arid land subterranean termites has dark brown to black bodies, typically about 1/2 inch long. Swarmers have a pair of equal-sized wings with more veins than ant wings, which adds to their unique identification.

• Soldiers: This caste is cream-colored, with 1/4 inch-long bodies. They are equipped with specialized jaws designed primarily to defend the colony from predators and intruders. 

• Workers: Worker termites in the arid land subterranean species are light or cream-colored, resembling ants in their general appearance but not in color. Workers are generally smaller and less conspicuous compared to the swarmers. 

Tip: A common feature across all castes, including workers, is their beaded antennae that resemble a string of pearls. This feature is distinct from the elbowed ant antennae, helping differentiate between the two.

How to Identify Arid Land Subterranean Termite Damage

Identifying damage caused by arid land subterranean termites is crucial in early detection and effective control. Here are some common signs of arid land subterranean termite damage:

• Mud tubes: These termites build mud tubes for protection while traveling between their colony and food source. Look for pencil-sized tubes along walls, foundations, or crawl spaces.

• Visible termites: Spotting the termites themselves clearly indicates an infestation. Swarmers may be seen around the property, especially during swarming season.

• Hollow-sounding wood: Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin veneer of timber or paint. Tapping on wood that sounds hollow can indicate hidden termite damage.

• Peeling or bubbled paint: This can be mistaken for water damage. Termites can create moisture issues inside walls, leading to paint deterioration.

• Discarded wings: After swarming, arid land subterranean termites shed their wings. Finding piles of wings near windowsills or doors is a telltale sign of swarmers establishing a new colony.

How to Get Rid of Arid Land Subterranean Termites

While infestations of arid land subterranean termites in homes are not common, addressing them can be as challenging as any other termite problem. 

Due to the complexity and potential severity of termite infestations, the most effective approach is to enlist the services of a professional termite exterminator. These experts employ specialized methods to ensure thorough eradication of the termites. 

Here are the three primary subterranean termite treatments used by professionals to eliminate these pests:

Termiticides

These chemical treatments are formulated with lethal ingredients specifically designed to target termites. When termites come into contact with an area treated with termiticides, they unknowingly carry the chemical back to their colony, infesting numerous termites within the colony.

Professionals often use termiticides for spot treatments in areas where termite activity is most evident. In cases where termites are located behind walls or in other inaccessible areas, exterminators may drill small holes in the drywall. These openings allow for the precise application of termiticides directly into termite galleries or suspected nesting areas.

Termite Barriers

Termite barriers are a proactive measure designed to deter termites before they can cause damage. These barriers can be either chemical or physical.

Here’s how chemical barriers work:

1. The process starts with digging a trench around the perimeter of the home. This trench acts as a foundation for the termite barrier, ensuring that the protective zone is continuous and unbroken.

2. Once the trench is prepared, a termiticide is applied thoroughly into the trench. This termiticide seeps into the soil, creating a long-lasting protective zone.

3. After the initial application, it’s crucial to maintain the barrier to ensure its effectiveness over time. This involves periodic reapplication, usually every three to five years.

Physical barriers, on the other hand, involve installing materials that are impenetrable to termites around the foundation of the home. Common materials used include stainless steel mesh, polymer sheets, or certain types of sand or gravel that termites cannot tunnel through.

Termite Bait Stations

Installing termite bait systems is one of the best treatments for subterranean termites. It involves placing bait stations around the property. These stations contain bait laced with insect growth regulators (IGRs). When termites feed on this bait, they carry the IGR back to the colony. 

The IGR prevents nymphs (young termites) from molting, effectively halting the growth and expansion of the colony over time. This method is particularly effective for long-term control and eradication of the colony.

How to Prevent Arid Land Subterranean Termites

Prevention is key when it comes to dealing with termites. Since they can cause extensive damage often before they are even noticed, taking proactive steps to deter them is crucial. Here are some effective prevention strategies:

1. Keep wood away from the house: Store firewood, lumber, or any other wooden materials at least 20-30 feet away from your home’s foundation and off the ground. Termites are attracted to wood, so keeping it at a distance reduces the risk of having them discover your home.

2. Use gravel in plant beds: Replace wood mulch with gravel or another non-wood-based mulch in your plant beds. Wood mulch can serve as a food source for termites and also retains moisture, creating an attractive environment for them.

3. Seal cracks and openings: Regularly inspect your home’s foundation, walls, and roof for cracks or openings. Seal any gaps with caulk or another appropriate sealant. This not only keeps termites out but also improves your home’s insulation.

4. Repair leaky faucets and pipes: Moisture attracts termites, so it’s essential to fix any plumbing leaks promptly. Ensure that faucets, pipes, and air conditioning units are functioning properly and not creating excess moisture.

5. Clean gutters regularly: Clogged gutters can lead to water accumulation and damage, creating ideal conditions for termites. Regular cleaning of gutters can prevent this.

6. Yearly inspections: Have a professional conduct yearly termite inspections. This is especially important in areas prone to termite activity. Regular inspections can catch early signs of termite activity before significant damage occurs.

Where Do Arid Land Subterranean Termites Live?

Arid land subterranean termites have adapted to thrive in specific environmental conditions, predominantly in areas characterized by dryness and abundant sunlight, like deserts, canyons, and sand dunes.

According to this recent study, arid land subterranean termites can be found mostly in the following states:

• Arizona
• California
• Colorado
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma
• South Dakota
• Texas
• Utah
• Wyoming

FAQ About Subterranean Termites

What are the Most Common Types of Subterranean Termites?

In the United States, several types of subterranean termites are commonly encountered. Each type has unique characteristics and habitats. The most common ones include:

• Eastern subterranean termite: This is the most widespread and commonly encountered termite species in the U.S. They are particularly prevalent in the eastern states and are known for causing significant structural damage.

• Formosan subterranean termite: Although not native to the U.S., the Formosan subterranean termite has established itself primarily in the southern states and Hawaii. Known for their aggressive nature, they can cause extensive damage in a relatively short period.

• Dark southeastern subterranean termite: This species is commonly found in the southeastern parts of the U.S. They are known for their dark color and are a significant pest in this region.

• Light southeastern subterranean termite: Similar to the dark southeastern variety, these termites are also prevalent in the southeastern U.S. but are lighter in color. 

• Arid land subterranean termite: Adapted to drier environments, this species is commonly found in arid regions, especially in the Rocky Mountain states and parts of Arizona.

• Western subterranean termite: Predominantly found in the western states, this species is known for leaving a shell with a honey-comb of layered hollow sections in wood.

• Desert subterranean termite: As the name suggests, this species thrives in desert climates and is typically found in Arizona and California. They are particularly adapted to survive in extremely dry conditions.

What Do Arid Land Subterranean Termites Eat?

Arid land subterranean termites primarily feed on natural vegetation found in their native arid habitats, with a particular preference for greasewood bushes and creosote. 

However, as human settlements expand into these arid regions, these termites have shown the ability to adapt by consuming alternative food sources. This includes wooden structures in homes, which they turn to in the absence of their preferred natural sources.

Do Subterranean Termites Leave Droppings?

Subterranean termites, unlike some other termite species, typically do not leave visible droppings or frass outside their colonies. This is because they primarily live and travel within their mud tubes and underground tunnels. The termite droppings, which are a byproduct of their wood consumption, usually remain contained within these structures. 

When to Call a Pro

Termites can wreak havoc in homes, often causing extensive damage that is costly to repair. Understanding how to identify them and recognize the signs of their presence is crucial in preventing and mitigating the damage they can cause.
Given the complexity and potential severity of termite problems, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. At the first sign of termites, whether it’s spotting mud tubes, discarded wings, or damaged wood, call a professional termite exterminator to handle the situation.

Main Image Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, Bugwood.org / Ipmimages