Subterranean termites

Subterranean termite control starts with confirming activity and inspecting the structure. Moisture repair and reducing wood-to-soil contact lower risk, but they do not replace treatment of a confirmed infestation.

Know the suspect

Reproductive swarmers are dark brown to black, about 3/8 inch long, with a broad waist and equal-length wings that may be shed. Ant swarmers have a pinched waist and unequal wings. Workers travel between soil and wood through protected routes. In DFW slab homes, inspect foundation edges for mud tubes and openings where termites can reach wood. A fence infestation alone does not prove the house is infested. Texas A&M termite identification and inspection

The wanted portrait is a stylized AI illustration, not an identification photograph. Compare the actual animal and its markings with an Extension identification guide.

What they can do

Subterranean termites feed on wood and can damage structures. Damage may be concealed; a visible tube does not reveal its full extent. Termites in yard wood warrant inspection, not an automatic conclusion that every building needs treatment. Extension termite guidance

Start with control, not a spray

1. Keep stored wood, debris and soil buildup away from the foundation.
2. Reduce wood-to-soil contact where repairs allow.
3. Repair leaks and keep drainage from wetting the building edge.
4. Inspect exposed foundation surfaces for mud shelter tubes.
5. Save safely collected swarmers and record where and when they appeared.
6. Leave part of a suspicious mud tube intact for a professional to examine.

Indoor swarmers are a strong reason for inspection, although individual insects may enter through an open window. Confirm the specimen rather than treating all winged insects as termites. Extension swarmer guidance

Chemicals you may encounter

Extension discusses fipronil and imidacloprid as examples of soil termiticides. These are not recommendations to trench, drill a slab or improvise a barrier. Product selection and placement require structural assessment, current labeling and appropriate credentials; bait and liquid systems have different limits. Extension treatment overview

The label is the law. Use a product labeled for the actual pest and location, and follow its directions for placement, amounts, protective equipment and re-entry. Keep products and treated areas away from children and pets as the label directs. Never use an outdoor-only pesticide indoors or assume more product works better. EPA pesticide safety

Seasonal watch

Use North Texas spring maintenance as a prompt to inspect window areas and foundation edges. Extension reports Texas swarms most often between February and May, but they can occur at other times. A fixed calendar cannot clear a home of termite activity. Extension seasonal guidance

When to get help

Indoor swarmers, mud tubes on the structure or unexplained wood damage warrants an inspection by a qualified, licensed pest professional experienced with termites. Seek a structural assessment if damage affects the building, and do not rely on surface spray alone.

This field guide is educational and does not offer treatment bookings.