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Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes formosanus, Coptotermes gestroi, Reticulitermes flavipes)
Identification guide for South Florida homeowners.
What Are Subterranean Termites?
Subterranean termites live in colonies that are usually based in the soil. Workers travel through the ground and build mud tubes to reach wood above ground while staying protected from dry air and predators. Some species can also form nests above ground when there's a steady moisture source, such as a roof leak or plumbing leak.
Three subterranean species are especially important in South Florida:
- Formosan subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus): an invasive species known for very large colonies. Swarmers are attracted to lights and typically fly in the evening during late spring and early summer. Colonies can build "carton" nests made of chewed wood, soil and saliva inside walls and other voids.
- Asian subterranean termite (Coptotermes gestroi): an invasive species established in South Florida, especially in the Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach area. Swarms are often in the evening in early spring. It's closely related to the Formosan termite and can also build carton nests.
- Eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes): a native species found across the eastern U.S. Swarms usually happen during the day, often on warm days after rain.
How to Recognize Subterranean Termite Activity
- Mud tubes: narrow, brown tubes running up foundations, piers, walls, plumbing or the backs of cabinets
- Swarmers: many winged insects emerging indoors or flying to lights, often near windows and doors
- Discarded wings: piles of similar-sized wings on sills and floors
- Damaged wood: wood that sounds hollow or has layered galleries packed with soil
- Carton material: a dark, papery or crumbly mass in walls or voids (Formosan and Asian)
Swarmers vs. Flying Ants
| --- | --- | --- |
|---|---|---|
| Antennae | Straight, bead-like | Elbowed |
| Wings | Equal length, much longer than the body | Front wings longer than hind wings |
Many swarms reported as termites are actually flying ants, such as Florida carpenter ants, rover ants or fire ants during mating flights. A quick look at the antennae and waist usually settles it.
Subterranean vs. Drywood Termites
- Subterranean: mud tubes, soil in damaged wood, no pellets.
- Drywood: dry pellets, no mud tubes. See drywood termites.
Life Cycle and Habits
Swarmers pair up, shed their wings and start a new colony in soil or a moist void. Workers do the foraging and building, soldiers defend, and the colony grows over years. Moisture is key to their survival, which is why leaks and wood-to-soil contact matter.
Conditions That Attract Them
- Wood touching soil, such as fence posts, trellises or wooden steps
- Mulch piled against the foundation
- Plumbing, roof and A/C leaks that keep wood damp
- Poor drainage near the home
- Stored lumber or firewood against walls
What You Can Do
- Save swarmers or tube samples in a sealed bag for identification.
- Don't break open mud tubes or spray swarmers before a professional sees them.
- Fix leaks and improve drainage around the foundation.
- Keep mulch thin and away from the slab, and avoid wood-to-soil contact.
- Write down when and where swarmers appeared; timing helps with identification.
Need Help Identifying a Sample?
Not sure what you're seeing? Your UF/IFAS county Extension office can help identify a sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do mud tubes look like?
When do termites swarm in South Florida?
Are swarmers in my house a sign of termites?
Do subterranean termites need moisture?
Reviewed October 2026 by Pro-Spray's family-run team
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Protect your home today.
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