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Subterranean Termite Entry Points 

- Anything that links the building to soil -

Summary: Subterranean termites enter buildings through "shelter tubes" that the termites construct. Shelter tubes can be built on any support that spans between building and soil. Inspecting for termites therefore = inspecting for shelter tubes.

Jack DeAngelis, PhD
OSU Ext. Entomologist (ret.)

Termites move from soil to structure

Subterranean termite colonies usually start below ground on wood debris left behind during construction. Termites then extend the colony by "shelter tubes" built over, or inside, material that spans between the soil and building (see drawing below). In short -- anything that links the soil to the building can serve for termite access.

Termites enter houses through a number of "weak, or entry, points" (right) such as foundation walls and posts. These areas should be regularly inspected for termite activity.

subterranean termite entry points

Subterranean termite entry points. Cross-section through foundation and floor jousts. Original drawing from Wood-Inhabiting Insects in Houses by Harry B. Moore, 1979. USDA, Forest Service and HUD.


termite shelter tubes

Termite shelter tubes built on a foundation wall.


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