Detecting Subterranean Termites

Finding out that your house is infested with subterranean termites is among many homeowners' greatest fears. Mud-covered shelter tubes in the basement or crawl space may be the first sign that homeowners observe; these tubes allow termites to travel from the soil beneath the house to the wooden structure above. Or you may simply see swarms of winged termites in the spring or fall on a sunny day after rain. If you think you have a termite infestation, you need to call a professional for help. A newly revised Pest Note: Subterranean and Other Termites by Vernard Lewis, UC Berkeley, Andrew Sutherland, UC IPM, and Mike Haverty, UC Berkeley, provides information on termites, signs of infestation and what to consider when talking to pest management professionals about control options.