Termites
Termites
The Silent Destroyers of Wood
Termites might be small, but they can cause huge damage to homes. In fact, they cause billions of dollars in damage each year in the United States. That’s because they eat wood — including the wooden parts that hold up your house.
What Are Termites?
Termites are insects that live in colonies, much like ants. Each colony can have thousands or even millions of termites. There are different types of termites, but the most common are:
- Subterranean termites: Live in the soil and build mud tubes to reach wood.
- Drywood termites: Live directly inside dry wood.
- Dampwood termites: Prefer wet, rotting wood
Why Are Termites So Bad?
- Hard to Detect: Termites often work quietly inside walls or underground.
- Fast Eaters: A large colony can eat through a home’s wooden structure quickly.
- Expensive Repairs: Termite damage usually isn’t covered by insurance.
Signs of a Termite Problem
- Mud tubes on walls or foundations
- Hollow-sounding wood
- Piles of wings (left behind after swarms)
- Droppings that look like tiny wood pellets
- Blisters in paint or warped wood
How to Prevent Termites
- Keep wood dry: Fix leaks and avoid water build-up.
- Store firewood away from the house.
- Seal cracks in your home’s foundation.
- Use treated wood where possible.
- Have regular inspections.
What to Do If You Suspect Termites
Call a pest control company right away. They can do a full inspection and suggest the best treatment.