Species Insects & ArthropodsEastern Subterranean Termite

Eastern Subterranean Termite

Reticulitermes flavipes

CommonInsect & Arthropod
Illustration of Eastern Subterranean Termite (Reticulitermes flavipes)

A significant pest, the Eastern Subterranean Termite is notorious for its wood-destroying capabilities, often compromising the structural integrity of buildings.

Habitat
Resides in moist soil, creating mud tubes to access wood above ground.
Diet
Feeds on cellulose found in wood and other plant materials.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Eastern Subterranean Termite

The best time to see a Eastern Subterranean Termite is March–May, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 1,743 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Not certain it is a Eastern Subterranean Termite? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.

Recent Eastern Subterranean Termite sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Eastern Subterranean Termite? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Eastern Subterranean Termite is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love insects & arthropods? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More insects & arthropods

Eastern Tailed-Blue
Eastern Tailed-Blue
Everes comyntas
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail
Papilio glaucus
Eastern Velvet Ant
Eastern Velvet Ant
Dasymutilla occidentalis
Ebony Jewelwing
Ebony Jewelwing
Calopteryx maculata
Edith's Checkerspot
Edith's Checkerspot
Euphydryas editha
Egg Parasitoid Wasp
Egg Parasitoid Wasp
Trichogramma pretiosum
Eight-spotted Forester
Eight-spotted Forester
Alypia octomaculata
Eight-spotted Skimmer
Eight-spotted Skimmer
Libellula forensis