Need pest help? Save $50 on your first recurring service today with code GET50

Where Do Termites Come From?

Termite Habitats and Why They Enter Homes

There are three major types of termites, drywood, dampwood, and subterranean, and the respective species all thrive in different habitats. These environments fulfill their specific food and shelter needs. Unfortunately, termites frequently find sustainable nest sites inside homes.

Certain factors increase the possibility for in-house termite infestations, including high levels of moisture, the availability of wood, and protection from the elements and avoidance of predators.

Homeowners should look out for favorable conditions and signs of activity, as termites can cause extremely costly structural damage. By knowing where to look in the home, individuals are able to avoid costly repairs.

Drywood Termite Habitats

Drywood termites are able to live in any dry wood habitats. This allows them to find shelter in buildings such as homes. The pests can travel into houses on furniture and dry firewood. They also live in trees that are near cracks and voids in home exteriors. As these termites live deep inside wooden structures, home invasions are often hard to spot.

Dampwood Termite Habitats

In contrast, dampwood termites seek out moisture-damaged wood and damp soil in which to nest. Leaking gutters and faucets and humidity in kitchens and basements draw the pests inside. When termites are offered ground-level openings into homes, the pests use these to travel inside.

Subterranean Termite Habitats

Subterranean termites also require damp soil to support their colonies. In fact, Formosan colonies, a subspecies, use mud to create tunnels that lead from their nests to food sources. Subterranean termites are commonly found in yards and houses where soil, moisture, and wood are plentiful. They especially prefer old tree stumps and fallen branches.

Finding Termites in Homes

If homeowners find signs of drywood, dampwood, or subterranean termite damage, they should immediately contact pest control specialists. The experts at Orkin do their best to prevent structural issues and large infestations by assessing the damage already done and coming up with the best plan for limit any further termite problems.

If you need some help to determine whether or not you have activity, call Orkin today for a free termite inspection of your home.

Resources

Dig Deeper on Termites

Do Termite Bait Stations Work | Termite Control

What Are Termite Mud Tubes | Signs Of Termite Infestation

How Long Does a Termite Live?

Should I buy a house with beam damage from insects?

Q

Could it be ants instead of termites causing the damage?

Are round holes in tree from termites?

Q

There are perfectly round holes that look like they have been drilled into the base of the tree. I am told that the moisture is just the water seeping out of the tree! Is it termites?

Where Do Termites Come From?

How do I get rid of termites in my house?

Q

How do I get rid of termites in my house?

Can termite dust make me sick?

Q

I am a renter and am constantly vacuuming up termite dust. Can this make me sick?

What does a termite larva or termite eggs look like?

Q

What does a termite larva look like? What do their eggs look like?

How do you treat barn wood for termites?

Q

We would like to install an old barn beam in our home. How do we check, treat, or pretreat for termites?

Connect with Us

Our customer care team is available for you 24 hours a day.

877-819-5061

Find a Branch

Our local Pros are the pest experts in your area.

Get a Personalized Quote

We will help you find the right treatment plan for your home.

THE BEST IN PESTS.™

SERVICES

Pest ControlTermite ControlPrevent and Protect

PEST LIBRARY

Browse All Pests

© 2024 Orkin LLC

Terms of UsePrivacyAccessibility StatementCareers

Your Branch  

Call Now