Subterranean termites cause billions of dollars in damage each year and are the primary structural pest in Kentucky entomology.ca.uky.edu. Winged swarmers emerge in spring to start new colonies, often after warm weather and rainfall entomology.ca.uky.edu. Understanding termite behavior helps protect your home. Termites live in underground colonies comprised of workers, soldiers and reproductives. Workers forage constantly for cellulose, building mud tubes to connect the colony to above‑ground food sources such as wood framing, paper and insulation entomology.ca.uky.edu. Soldiers defend the colony, while winged reproductives (swarmers) leave to start new colonies when conditions are right. Colonies may contain hundreds of thousands of individuals and can be active year‑round in heated structures or when soil temperatures stay above freezing.
Recognizing Termites
- Differences from ants: Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and wings of equal length, whereas ants have elbowed antennae, a constricted waist and unequal wings entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Signs of infestation: Look for swarmers inside the house, mud tubes along foundation walls or support structures and wood that sounds hollow or contains soil entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Swarming season: Winged termites are triggered to swarm by warm, rainy weather, usually in spring; seeing swarmers indoors is a sign of an established colony entomology.ca.uky.edu.
What to Do
- Do not disturb: Do not break open mud tubes or spray insecticide indiscriminately; disturb as little as possible until a professional inspection.
- Call a professional: Termite elimination requires specialized equipment and knowledge; the University of Kentucky emphasizes that termite treatment is not a do‑it‑yourself job and should be handled by a trained professional entomology.ca.uky.edu.
- Preventive measures: Reduce wood‑to‑soil contact, fix leaks and maintain proper drainage around the foundation to discourage termites.
- Monitor annually: Schedule annual inspections with a termite professional. Regular inspections detect early signs of activity and allow for prompt treatment.
- Moisture management: Termites need moisture to survive. Ensure downspouts and gutters direct water away from the foundation, fix plumbing leaks and maintain at least 6 inches of clearance between soil and wooden siding or porch posts. Avoid mulch piled against foundations and store firewood away from the house.
Early detection and professional treatment are essential to protect your investment. For termite inspections and prevention in Louisville, contact Rise Pest Pros. If you’re sealing up entry points to deter rodents, you’ll also be making your home less inviting to termites—see our Rodent‑Proof Your Louisville Home article for tips on plugging gaps and managing moisture.
