Subterranean Termites

How to Identify Subterranean Termites

Subterranean termites are relatively small, soft-bodied insects. Their appearance changes depending on their role within the colony.

• ‍Workers: Workers are wingless and pale cream to light tan. They are responsible for feeding, caring for other colony members, and constructing tunnels. These are the termites most often discovered inside damaged wood or mud tubes.
• ‍Soldiers: Soldiers have pale bodies with larger, amber-colored heads and prominent jaws. Their primary role is to defend the colony.
• ‍Swarmers: Reproductive termites have dark brown to nearly black bodies and two pairs of similarly sized wings. After leaving the colony and landing, they shed their wings.

Subterranean termites can remain active year-round in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Activity often increases during warmer months, particularly where irrigation and other moisture sources keep soil around foundations damp. Winter rains can also create favorable conditions for foraging, and established colonies may continue feeding inside structures regardless of the season. While activity levels fluctuate, subterranean termites can pose a threat to homes year-round.

Which Subterranean Termite Species Live in Our Area?

For many years, the western subterranean termite (Reticulitermes hesperus) was considered the primary native subterranean termite species throughout coastal Southern California.

However, a 2025 study published in the Annals of the Entomological Society of America described another species, Reticulitermes rusti, whose documented range extends from Santa Barbara to San Diego, including Orange and Los Angeles counties.

The two species look very similar, particularly in their soldier caste, making them difficult to distinguish without genetic testing. They also have different swarming seasons, which helps explain why homeowners may encounter flying subterranean termites at different times of year.

When Do Subterranean Termites Swarm in Southern California?

Subterranean termite swarms occur when mature colonies release winged reproductive termites to mate and establish new colonies. In Orange and Los Angeles counties, the timing depends on the species:

• Western subterranean termites (Reticulitermes hesperus): Typically swarm in spring, often following rainfall when conditions are favorable.
• Reticulitermes rusti: Typically swarms from November through January, often following the first fall rains.

This means homeowners may encounter flying subterranean termites during spring or the cooler months of late fall and winter.

Finding swarmers outdoors doesn't necessarily mean your home is infested, since colonies may be present in nearby soil, tree stumps, or buried wood. However, termites emerging from inside your home or appearing around the foundation warrant a professional inspection.

Subterranean Termites vs. Flying Ants

Termites are sometimes called "white ants" because their workers are pale and resemble ants. However, termites and ants are different insects.

Seeing winged insects around your home, especially after rain, doesn't necessarily mean they're termites. Flying ants can look similar, but a few physical differences can help you tell them apart.

Termite swarmers have fairly uniform bodies without the narrow, pinched waist of a flying ant. Their antennae are relatively straight, while flying ants have distinctly bent antennae. Another clue is the wings: termites have four wings of nearly equal length, whereas flying ants have larger front wings.

If you're unsure which insect you've found, Admiral Pest Control can help identify it.

Where Are Subterranean Termites Found?

Subterranean termites establish colonies in soil, where they have access to the moisture they need to survive. Workers travel through underground passages and protective mud tubes to locate food.

Around homes in Orange County and Los Angeles County, they may be found:

• Beneath and around concrete slab foundations
• In soil surrounding crawl spaces
• Along foundation walls and expansion joints
• Beneath patios, walkways, and attached structures
• Around wooden posts, fences, and other wood touching soil
• In tree stumps, buried roots, and other underground wood debris
• Within wall framing, floor supports, and other accessible structural wood

Homes with concrete slab foundations are not immune. Termites cannot eat through solid concrete, but they can use cracks, joints, and openings around plumbing or utility lines to reach wood above the foundation.

They may also travel behind exterior stucco, making their movement difficult to detect from outside.

Signs That May Point to Subterranean Termites

Since subterranean termites spend most of their time underground or inside wood, homeowners may notice evidence of their activity before seeing the insects themselves.

Clues to watch for include:

• Mud tubes: Narrow, soil-colored tunnels along foundations, walls, or crawl space supports that termites use to travel between the soil and wood.
• Soil inside damaged wood: Subterranean termites may leave mudlike material within their tunnels, unlike the dry pellets associated with drywood termites.
• Winged termites or discarded wings: Swarmers emerging near the foundation or piles of shed wings around windows and doors can indicate nearby termite activity.

These clues can help distinguish subterranean termites from other pests, but a professional inspection is needed to identify the problem.

Noticed mud tubes or other signs of termites? Admiral Pest Control offers free termite inspections to identify termite activity and determine whether treatment is needed.

How Subterranean Termites Damage Homes

Subterranean termites feed on cellulose, a major component of wood and other plant-based materials. As workers feed, they create tunnels inside wooden structures, often following the grain and leaving the outer surface largely intact.

Depending on where termites enter, damage can affect floor joists, sill plates, wall framing, door frames, and other structural components. Over time, this feeding can weaken the wood without any visible damage from the outside.

The extent of damage depends on colony size, feeding activity, and how long the termites remain undetected.

Conditions That Can Increase Subterranean Termite Risk

Subterranean termites depend on moisture and access to wood, making certain conditions around a home more favorable for their activity.

Leaking irrigation systems, plumbing problems, damp soil near foundations, and wood in direct contact with the ground can increase the risk. Termites may also enter through small foundation openings and other concealed spaces.

Addressing these conditions can help reduce the likelihood of termite problems, but it won't eliminate an established infestation.

Subterranean Termite Control From Admiral Pest Control

Because subterranean termites typically establish colonies in the soil, they require a different treatment approach than drywood termites.

Admiral Pest Control offers free termite inspections and treatments tailored to the termite activity and conditions around your home. For subterranean termites, our team may recommend a Termidor® soil treatment around your home's perimeter, localized indoor treatments, or both, depending on the infestation.

We also offer a Yearly Termite Control Service with annual inspections and continued coverage for both subterranean and drywood termites following initial treatment.

Learn more about our termite control services or contact us to schedule your free inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Subterranean Termites

Can subterranean termites infest a brand-new home?

Yes. New construction isn't immune to subterranean termites. Even recently constructed homes can have foundation openings, moisture sources, and accessible wood that allow termites to establish activity. A home's age alone doesn't determine its risk.

Can subterranean termites spread from a neighboring property?

Yes. Subterranean termite colonies forage underground and aren't confined by property boundaries. Termites present in a neighboring yard may eventually reach wood or other cellulose materials on your property. However, finding termites next door doesn't automatically mean your home is infested.

Will fumigation eliminate subterranean termites?

Whole-structure fumigation is generally used for drywood termite infestations. Because subterranean termite colonies typically live in the soil, fumigation doesn't adequately address them. Treatments targeting termites in the soil are generally more appropriate.

Protect Your Home From Subterranean Termites

You don't have to wait until visible wood damage appears to have your home checked for termites.

Locally owned and family-operated, Admiral Pest Control has been helping homeowners in Orange and Los Angeles protect their properties since 1947. Whether you've noticed suspicious mud tubes, discovered termite swarmers, or simply want your home inspected, our team can help.

Schedule your free termite inspection with Admiral Pest Control today.