WHAT ARE SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES AND WHAT ARE MY MANAGEMENT OPTIONS?
by Karen M. Vail Subterranean termites have been swarming for almost a month now. Listed below are answers to questions commonly posed by the homeowner as they ponder termite management options. Q: Why should I be concerned about termites? A: Subterranean termites, the most destructive wood-feeding insects in Tennessee, feed on cellulose that is usually obtained from wood. Termites are very important because they help recycle dead, fallen trees back into the soil. They do not easily distinguish between a dead pine tree and pine lumber; therefore, their food may be in the form of a dead tree or the wood in a house. They will also feed upon fence posts, paper, books and fabrics of plant origin, as well as living plants such as trees, shrubs, flowers and some crops, although they are more likely to invade woody plants that are in decline. They may chew foam board insulation, and even swimming pool liners and filtration systems. In the United States, the cost of treating and repairing dama
