Subterranean Nose Termites

Of the two types of termites which plague North America, the subterranean termite is most common. The nose termite, or snouted termite, is a subterranean species that builds extensive underground networks in soft, damp soil.

Worker nose termites construct tubes made of mud to reach aboveground food sources in homes and other wooden structures. These tubes are one of the early signs of termite infestation. Nose termite mud tubes typically run from the foundation blocks up into open cracks and gaps.

Nose termites are found primarily in the Eastern United States. The nose termite is so-called because of its visible snout. Both male and female reproductive members of a nose termite colony are black, while worker nose termites are pearly, translucent-white in color. Soldier nose termites have enlarged mandibles which assist them in defending their colonies from natural predators. Laboratory studies have shown that nose termites are blind.