Project Description

Subterranean Termites

In Hawaii, the Formosan subterranean termite lives primarily underground and moves up into structures or trees to feed. Subterranean termites do not use or make kick-out holes in the wood. The primary indicator of their presence is the “mud tubes” along wood studs, boards, wall voids, or a connecting mud tube from the slab to the wood. Subterranean termites follow the grain, eating the softer areas along the length of the wood, leaving the harder grain skeleton. The Drywood termites however eat across the grain in any direction, making kick out holes in the process. Subterranean termites can occasionally be found above the ground when the habitat provides them with a source of water such as a pipe leaking or an area with regular moisture supply.