Discovering termites in your home can be alarming. These pests, often called “silent destroyers,” can cause significant damage before you even know they are there. For homeowners in Massachusetts, understanding the specific types of termites you might encounter is the first step toward effective control and prevention.
This guide will walk you through the primary termite species found in Massachusetts, helping you identify potential threats to your property. We’ll explore their behaviors, the signs of an infestation, and explain how professional intervention is crucial for protecting your home. With this knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to take swift action against these destructive insects.
The Eastern Subterranean Termite
In Massachusetts, one species is responsible for nearly all termite-related damage: the Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes). Unlike other types of termites that live entirely in wood, this species builds its primary colony underground in the soil.
How They Operate
Eastern Subterranean Termites need a constant source of moisture to survive, which is why they live in the soil. They build elaborate networks of mud tubes, which act as protected highways, allowing them to travel from their underground nest to food sources—namely, the wooden structures of your home. These tubes, often found along foundation walls, in crawl spaces, or behind siding, protect the termites from open air and predators.
A single colony can contain hundreds of thousands, or even millions, of individual termites. They work tirelessly, 24 hours a day, consuming wood from the inside out. This often leaves the visible surface of the wood intact, masking the extent of the damage until it becomes severe.
Identifying the Castes
Within a colony, there are different types of termites, or “castes,” each with a specific role:
- Workers: These are the most numerous members of the colony. They are small, creamy-white insects responsible for foraging for food, building mud tubes, and caring for the rest of the colony. They are the ones that cause all the damage to your home.
- Soldiers: Recognizable by their larger, yellowish-brown heads and powerful jaws, soldiers are the defenders of the colony. Their job is to protect the nest from threats like ants.
- Swarmers (Alates): In the spring, mature colonies produce winged termites known as swarmers. These reproductive termites fly from the nest in large groups to mate and establish new colonies. A termite swarm is often the first and most visible sign of a nearby infestation.
Signs of a Termite Infestation
Because termites work out of sight, infestations can go unnoticed for years. However, there are several key signs that can alert you to their presence.
Mud Tubes
Finding pencil-sized mud tubes on your foundation, walls, or floor joists is a classic sign of subterranean termites. These tubes provide a safe passage from the soil to the wood in your home. Break open a small section of a tube to see if it is active; termites will often repair the damage within a few days.
Swarms of Winged Insects
A termite swarm inside your home is a definitive sign of an active infestation. You might see the swarmers themselves or find piles of discarded wings on windowsills or near doors after the swarm has ended. These wings are all that’s left after the termites have paired off to start a new colony. It’s important not to confuse termite swarmers with flying ants, which have a pinched waist and bent antennae, unlike the straight waist and antennae of a termite.
Damaged Wood
Termite damage can be subtle. Wood that has been eaten by subterranean termites may sound hollow when tapped. If you probe the damaged area with a screwdriver, you may uncover the tunnels, or “galleries,” that run parallel to the grain of the wood. These galleries are often filled with soil and chewed wood.
Protect Your Home with The Termite Boys
Dealing with a termite infestation is not a do-it-yourself project. The sheer size of a colony and its hidden location in the soil make professional treatment essential. At The Termite Boys, we have specialized in eliminating termites in Eastern Massachusetts and the North Shore since 1982.
Our team of experts understands the behavior of Eastern Subterranean Termites and uses proven methods to find and exterminate the source of the infestation. We provide a complete and comprehensive service to ensure your home or business becomes termite-free.
Don’t let these silent destroyers compromise the integrity of your property. If you’ve noticed any signs of termites or want to schedule a preventative inspection, we are here to help. We offer a full 5-year warranty on our work and will beat any competitor’s price by at least 10%.
Get Professional Termite Control Today
Knowing the signs of the Eastern Subterranean Termite is your first line of defense. But when it comes to protecting your most valuable asset, professional expertise is non-negotiable.
The Termite Boys have protected homes in Massachusetts for over 40 years. We are experts in finding the source of these costly insects and eliminating them for good. If you suspect you have a termite problem, don’t wait for the damage to get worse. Call us today at 781-599-4317 or visit our website to schedule an inspection and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.