No, subterranean termites do not leave on their own. Once they establish a colony and begin feeding on wood, they will continue to consume it until the colony is eliminated or their food supply runs out. If left untreated, the infestation will only get worse over time. While there are rare circumstances where a colony might relocate, it’s far more common for termites to remain and cause ongoing damage unless a professional treatment is applied.

If you suspect you have a subterranean termite problem, it's important to contact a pest control professional to perform an inspection and determine the best course of action to eliminate the infestation.

The time it takes for subterranean termites to cause significant damage to a home varies, depending on factors like the size of the colony, the extent of the infestation, and the type of wood involved. In a heavily infested home, it could take 3 to 8 years for subterranean termites to cause extensive structural damage. In severe cases, they could compromise the integrity of your home much faster. However, it’s important to note that by the time noticeable damage occurs, the termites may have been active for several years.

That’s why early detection through regular inspections is crucial. A professional pest control company can assess and treat an infestation before it leads to costly repairs.

Both subterranean and drywood termites are destructive, but subterranean termites tend to be more problematic in Texas. This is because they live in large colonies (often millions of termites) and can cause extensive damage to wood structures over time, especially in moist conditions like those in Texas. They also require direct contact with soil, so they are more common in regions with humid or wet climates.

On the other hand, drywood termites infest dry wood directly and don’t require soil contact. While drywood termites can still be a serious problem, their colonies are generally smaller and less likely to cause damage as quickly as subterranean termites. Overall, subterranean termites are typically more widespread and can cause more rapid damage to homes.

Subterranean termites are not capable of directly chewing through concrete. However, they can find cracks, gaps, or holes in concrete foundations, walls, and other structures. They use these small openings to travel through and access the wood or cellulose material inside your home. Termites build mud tubes to protect themselves from the open air as they move from the soil into your home. If your foundation has even the smallest crack or gap, subterranean termites can infiltrate your home.