PestDex Details
Eastern Subterranean Termite
Reticulitermes flavipes
crawler
Most destructive termite in Mid-Atlantic. Causes millions in damage to MD/VA/DC homes annually.
How to Identify
- •Soft-bodied, white to cream, ¼ inch
- •Mud tubes on foundation walls
- •Winged swarmers (black, ⅜ inch) in spring
- •Discarded wings near windows after swarm
Where Found
Underground colonies access wood through soil contact or mud tubes. Targets sill plates, floor joists, deck posts. Every MD/VA/DC county has endemic populations.
Seasonality
Swarms March–May on warm, humid days. Workers feed year-round if temps above 50°F.
Health & Property Risk
Structural failure. Eats wood from inside out — damage often hidden until severe. Nationwide causes $5 billion damage/year. Not covered by homeowners insurance.
Prevention Tips
- •Keep wood-to-soil contact clear (deck posts, firewood)
- •Fix drainage so water flows away from foundation
- •Seal foundation cracks
- •Remove stumps and buried wood near house
- •Annual inspection — early detection is key
Treatment Notes
Liquid termiticide barrier or bait stations. Requires licensed applicator. Trenching and drilling typical. Monitor annually — retreatment may be needed.