Subterranean termites constantly eat away at woodwork, biting off small pieces with their saw-toothed jaws. Over time, a termite colony can cause catastrophic damage to the structure of a building and may even lead to a collapse. Termite infestations can occur both inside and outside of your building, and there are several signs to look out for.

Termites build distinctive tunnels known as “mud tubes”, which protect and insulate them while they travel to food sources. You may be able to spot these mud tubes on the exterior of your building. If you’re concerned about termites inside, try tapping on soft wood; if it sounds hollow, that means termites have probably been eating away at it. Other subtler signs of termite infestation include the darkening of wood, bubbling paint and discovering small piles of what appears to be sawdust but is actually termite feces.

The key to subterranean termite control is prevention, and there are many measures you can take to dissuade these pests from your home or business. Avoid plantings around the perimeter of your building that will need to be watered frequently, and make use of downspouts to divert rainwater from gutters out into your yard. Make sure all crawl spaces are properly ventilated to avoid excess humidity. Never pile scrap wood or lumber near your home or bury it in your yard. Seal any cracks in the foundation of your building. Most importantly, maintain at least a one-inch gap between the soil of your yard and the wood of your building.