How to Get Rid of Subterranean Termites Quickly

Dealing with subterranean termites is a race against time. These pests can destroy wood structures, costing homeowners thousands of dollars in repairs. If you’ve noticed signs of subterranean termite activity, it’s crucial to act fast.

Follow this step-by-step guide to eliminate subterranean termites and protect your home quickly.

Key Takeaways

Subterranean termites damage homes by eating wood and making mud tubes, which are important signs to watch for.
Bait stations and soil treatments are the best ways to get rid of termites and their colonies.
Fixing leaks, clearing mulch, and sealing cracks can stop termites from coming back to your home.
Regular inspections and checking bait stations help keep your home safe from termites in the future.

Look for Signs of a Subterranean Termite Infestation

The first step in termite control is recognizing the problem. Subterranean termites are often detected by the following signs:

Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites build mud tubes along walls, foundations, or crawl spaces to protect themselves while traveling.

termite mud tube

Termite Swarmers: Winged termites, or alates, may swarm during the spring or summer, signaling a nearby termite colony.

Discarded Wings: Look for tiny wings near windows, doors, or other entry points.

termite discarded wings

Wood Damage: Hollow-sounding wood or honeycomb-like patterns in timber are signs of termite activity.

Frass: While less common in subterranean termite infestations, frass (termite droppings) may appear as small, dark brown pellets.

termite frass

If you see any of these signs, you likely have an active subterranean termite problem that needs immediate attention.

Call a Pest Control Company for a Termite Inspection

A professional termite inspection is the fastest way to figure out how bad the problem is and what needs to be done.

When you call a pest control company, they’ll inspect your home to confirm if you have termites and, if so, what type—subterranean, drywood, or dampwood.

They’ll also assess the extent of termite damage and locate active colonies, including mud tubes and nests.

Once they’ve gathered all the details, they can create a termite treatment plan that’s specifically designed for your home.

Choose the Best Subterranean Termite Treatment

Once the infestation is confirmed, select the most effective treatment options. Professionals often recommend these solutions:

Treatment Methods	Best For
Termite Baiting Systems	Long-term prevention for termite nests and elimination of the entire colony.
Soil Treatment	Active infestations near foundations.
Foundation Trenching	Homes with soil-to-wood contact.
Fumigation	Severe or widespread infestations, especially drywood termites.

Implement DIY Termite Solutions for Minor Infestations

For small infestations of any termite species or while waiting for professional exterminators, you can try DIY methods:

Orange Oil: Inject orange oil into drilled holes in affected wood to kill termites directly.
Boric Acid: Apply boric acid to mud tubes or use it as a spray to kill visible termites.
Beneficial Nematodes: Introduce nematodes to your soil to naturally kill termites.
Bait Stations: Set up over-the-counter termite bait stations as a temporary solution.

While these methods can reduce termite activity, they are not sufficient to eliminate an entire termite colony.

Address Termite-Prone Conditions

Preventing new colonies from returning is just as important as getting rid of the ones already causing problems.

Start by fixing any leaks in pipes, faucets, or HVAC systems—damp areas are termite magnets. Make sure your gutters are clear of debris, as clogged gutters can lead to water pooling near your foundation.

If you’re using wood mulch in your landscaping, consider switching to alternatives like gravel or rubber mulch, which are far less appealing to termites as food sources.

Monitor Termite Activity Regularly

Subterranean termite infestations can recur if not monitored closely. To keep termites from coming back, regular monitoring is key.

Schedule annual inspections with a pest control company to catch any new signs of termite activity early. If you’re using termite bait stations, make sure they’re checked and refilled on a regular schedule to stay effective.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on high-moisture areas like basements and crawl spaces—these spots are termite hotspots.

Ready to Take Action Against Subterranean Termites?

For fast and effective termite control, pest control services like Native Pest Management offer termite control tailored to Florida homeowners. Our termite bait stations, soil treatments, and expert inspections are designed to tackle even the toughest infestations.