The termite threat: common questions

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

DO THESE TERMITES LOOK FAMILIAR?

LEARN ABOUT TERMITES

  • 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 Mud Tubes

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.

Signs of Termites

Here are some common methods for detecting termites:

Wood Damage

The pattern in which subterranean termites feed on a piece of wood is hard to miss. These cellulose-loving insects can leave nothing behind but the wood grain. However, termite damage is usually hidden, due to the insects’ habit of eating the wood from the inside out.

Discarded Wings

Even if you miss an exterior termite swarm, it may not be difficult to see that it took place. Soon after swarmers take flight, they shed their wings, leaving small piles of wings behind in spider webs and on surfaces around the home’s foundation.

Termite Swarmers

Swarmers from mature colonies typically spread their wings and leave their colonies in the springtime in order to start new colonies. Swarms on the exterior of a home may be missed by homeowners, as they are typically brief events during the morning or afternoon — a time when many of people are not at home. Formosan termites can also swarm at dusk.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites build mud tubes (also known as shelter tubes) to serve as bridges between their colony and the wood they are feasting on. These tubes are made of tiny pieces of soil, wood and debris, and are used to protect the colony from predators and conserve moisture.

Termite Mounds

While termites in the United States cause billions of dollars in damage every year, no North American termite species is known to build mounds. Termites that construct their colonies above ground live primarily in Africa and Australia.

Termite Droppings

Because termites don’t have the luxury of indoor plumbing, drywood termites often leave behind frass or droppings. These tiny fecal mounds often mean the wood above is infested with termites.

Termite Treatment

There are many different types of termite treatments available to homeowners, so how will you know which one is best for your home? This decision should be made carefully, following careful research of the options recommended by your trusted termite specialist. Because your home is unique, it is important that you work closely with your termite specialist to develop an appropriate and effective termite treatment plan.

Subterranean Termite Treatment Options

Liquid Application with Repellent or with Non-Repellent
These types of treatments can be used inside and outside your home, and can also be injected directly into an infested area. Repellent products do not attract termites, but instead make an area unappealing to termites. If a termite does find its way through a repellent producttreated barrier, the termite will be controlled within minutes or hours after encountering the product. On the other hand, non-repellent products are not easily detected by termites, so the insects do not know to avoid the treated area. Forager termites are the first to confront these non-repellent products, which are then shared with the rest of the colony — effectively controlling the colony’s members.

Liquid Application with Bait and Monitoring System
This system uses a combination of liquid treatment at the entry points and infestation sites of a home, as well as termite monitoring stations at various locations around your house. If your termite professional detects termites, the monitoring stations are replaced with bait stations. Termites will then ingest the bait and share it with their nest mates, leading to effective control of the colony.

Drywood Termite Treatment Options

Wood Treatment
Odorless and immediately effective, wood treatment offers protection against further termite infestations. This treatment can be applied directly to the wood or injected into bare wood.

Entire Structure Treatment or Fumigation
With the ability to treat every area of your home, entire structure treatment, or fumigation, is often recommended when multiple termite colonies are found in one structure. Fumigation involves a tent that envelops your home or business before termite specialists release gas, which spreads throughout your home to reach every crack and crevice that may be harboring termites. Since each infestation is unique, be sure to partner with your termite specialist to create a customized plan to treat your home.

 What Should I Look for in a Termite Specialist?
You may realize that you have termites in your home after you identify certain warning signs. Similarly, you can also recognize a qualified termite specialist by certain signs. A qualified termite specialist should possess the following qualities:

  • Employment with a licensed pest control company
  • Advanced knowledge of construction and home building
  • Expert knowledge of termite identification and biology
  • Understanding of the local and state ordinances regarding pest control
  • Knowledge of the various treatment methods and resources to customize a treatment plan for your home
  • Awareness of EPA-approved materials and environmental standards
  • Ability to provide detailed written notes of the preliminary inspection
  • Confidence in a guarantee of service from a stable company with a reputation for providing effective termite prevention, treatment and control

 

Find out more about Termites in the Pest Library

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