The termite threat: common questions

Worried about termites? Here are some answers to common questions.

TERMITES TYPE:

Subterranean
Subterranean termites live in colonies in the soil. They require moisture from the soil to survive, and can tunnel hundreds of feet to reach feeding sites. To reach food above ground, they build mud tubes to protect them from exposure to light, air and enemies.

Drywood
Found coast to coast throughout the southern regions of the U.S., Drywood termites live inside dry wood. Their colonies can be dispersed within your home and can spread, infesting more than one area.

Formosan
Formosan termites are a more aggressive species of Subterranean termites that can establish secondary nests above ground.

Termite detection: What are some signs of termites?
Unless there are signs of active termite infestation, you probably won’t detect termites because they forage and hang out hidden from view. The most common way of detecting termites include discarded wings. Not so obvious signs include wood that sounds hollow when tapped, cracked or bubbling paint and termite droppings that look like sawdust (frass). You may also see mud tubes that look like the image pictured above.

What do termites feed on?
They feed on cellulose-based material like wood, books, boxes, furniture and drywall coverings. Termites are constantly foraging and have been found over 150 feet from a colony.

Why are termites a threat to my home?
Termite colonies work 24 hours a day, and signs of termite infestations can go undiscovered until serious damage is done. Because homeowners insurance typically does not cover termite damage, termite detection and continued termite treatment are the best ways to help protect your property.

For additional help with detection, read about how to identify termite risk areas around your home.

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Identify your termite risk areas
The first step toward termite detection is learning why termites may be around your home, and how they can enter your home.

Conditions that attract termites

Moisture
Run-off moisture, drainage
Condensation under home

Food
Wood house framing, debris in crawl space
Landscape timbers, mulch, stumps

Temperature
Controlled home temperatures create favorable conditions for termites year-round

Access: Tiny cracks throughout your home
Concrete slabs or basement foundations
Around utility pipes
Veneers: stucco, brick, wood

Worried about the risk of termite infestation in your home? Review answers to common termite questions and take action to help prevent termite damage.