Key points
- Subterranean termites build mud tubes from the soil to the wood; tubes on the foundation are a sign of activity.
- Keep soil around the foundation dry with grading, drainage and gutter maintenance, and fix leaks promptly.
- Do not stack firewood or wood debris next to the house, keep trees and shrubs away, and prevent wood-to-soil contact.
- Liquid soil termiticides can in most cases only be properly applied by a trained professional; ask for the product label and re-entry time.
Written for:OwnerContractor
Termites are among the most damaging building pests because they work hidden inside wood and walls. Most people only find them when they see a swarm or come across damage during construction1. The good news: prevention starts with moisture control.
1) The signs
- Mud tubes: subterranean termites nest in the soil and reach the building's wood by building shelter tubes from the soil to the wood; tubes on foundation surfaces are evidence of termite activity2.
- Hollow wood: probe exposed wood with a flathead screwdriver to find hollow spots1.
- Swarms: told apart from ants because termite wings are roughly equal in length and their antennae are straight1.
2) Prevention around the house
- Moisture: keep soil around the foundation dry through grading, drainage and gutter maintenance, fix leaks promptly, and keep vents clear1. See water around the building and leak detection.
- Plants: keep trees and shrubs away from the building, and do not let plants grow against wood1.
- Stacked wood: do not pile firewood or wood debris next to the house1.
- Soil contact: a concrete foundation with a ventilation space between soil and wood during construction, and a sealant or metal barrier over exposed wood1.
- Seal entry points: fill cracks in foundations and around utilities with cement, grout or caulk1. See sealants and joint fillers.
Before building: soil treatment and treated wood where it touches soil. See wood in the home.
3) Control
| Method | Note |
|---|---|
| Liquid soil termiticides | A chemical barrier in the soil around and under the building1 |
| Baits | Cellulose baits containing a slow-acting insecticide1 |
| Building materials and wood treatments | Prevention from the start1 |
Not a DIY job: in most cases termiticide can only be properly applied by a trained pest management professional12. See when to call a pro.
4) Choosing a pest control company
- Check that the company is licensed1.
- Ask for the product label and read it1.
- Confirm the re-entry time before treatment begins1, especially with children and older people.
- Ask for a written report of treated areas, a warranty and the follow-up period (practical advice).
Sources
The number next to a statement points to its source in this list. Sources back the general information; anything marked “practical advice” is editorial experience, not a quoted source. Anything that affects safety, structural design or electrical installations needs a licensed professional, and in Saudi Arabia the binding reference is the Saudi Building Code.
- 1Termites: How to Identify and Control Them — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- 2Pre-Construction Subterranean Termite Control — North Carolina Department of Agriculture — Structural Pest Control
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This guide is for general information and planning, based on standards and technical guides. Standards are revised periodically; in Saudi Arabia the binding reference is the Saudi Building Code and the instructions of the competent authorities. For design and execution, use a licensed engineer or technician. Found an error? Tell us.