Termite

Termites are wood-destroying insects responsible for an estimated five billion dollars in property damage annually in the United States. The most economically significant species fall into three groups: subterranean, drywood, and dampwood termites. Subterranean termites, which build colonies in the soil and access structures through mud tubes, cause the vast majority of damage. Termites work silently and out of sight, often causing extensive structural harm before any visible signs appear. Regular inspections are essential because homeowner's insurance typically does not cover termite damage.

Species Covered

Species Groups

Common Traits

All termites are social insects that live in colonies with specialized castes including workers, soldiers, and reproductives. They feed on cellulose, the primary structural component of wood, and can digest it thanks to specialized microorganisms in their guts. Termites avoid light and open air, which is why infestations can go undetected for months or even years.

Species in This Category

Subterranean Termites

6 species

Subterranean termites are the most destructive wood-destroying organisms in North America, responsible for an estimated $5 billion in property damage annually.

Drywood Termites

3 species

Drywood termites infest dry, sound wood and do not require contact with soil or an external moisture source.

Dampwood Termites

3 species

Dampwood termites are large termites that infest wood with high moisture content, typically above 20 percent.

Conehead Termites

1 species

Conehead termites, formerly known as tree termites, are an invasive species from the Caribbean that was discovered in Dania Beach, Florida, in 2001.

All Termite

Eastern Subterranean TermiteReticulitermes flavipes

Formosan Subterranean TermiteCoptotermes formosanus

Dark Southeastern Subterranean TermiteReticulitermes virginicus

Western Drywood TermiteIncisitermes minor

Southeastern Drywood TermiteIncisitermes snyderi

Pacific Dampwood TermiteZootermopsis angusticollis

Florida Dampwood TermiteNeotermes castaneus

Conehead TermiteNasutitermes corniger

Arid-Land Subterranean TermiteReticulitermes tibialis

Desert Subterranean TermiteHeterotermes aureus

Signs of Infestation

Pencil-thin mud tubes running along foundation walls, piers, or plumbing
Hollow-sounding wood when tapped, especially in structural members
Discarded wings near windowsills or light fixtures after a swarm event
Bubbling or peeling paint that resembles water damage on walls or ceilings
Frass - small piles of wood-colored droppings beneath kick-out holes (drywood termites)
Sagging floors, warped door frames, or windows that suddenly stick

Prevention

Termite prevention focuses on eliminating wood-to-soil contact, managing moisture, and creating barriers that deter colony access. Key measures include grading soil away from foundations, repairing leaks, storing firewood away from the structure, and ensuring crawl spaces are well-ventilated. Professional monitoring systems and preventive treatments provide an additional layer of defense.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have termites or just ants?

The easiest way to distinguish them is body shape: termites have a straight, broad waist, straight antennae, and wings of equal length, while ants have a narrow waist, elbowed antennae, and unequal wing pairs. Mud tubes on your foundation are a strong indicator of subterranean termites specifically. When in doubt, a professional inspection can provide a definitive answer.

Does homeowner's insurance cover termite damage?

In most cases, no. Standard homeowner's insurance policies consider termite damage a maintenance issue rather than a sudden or accidental loss. This is one of the key reasons that regular professional inspections and preventive treatments are so important - catching termites early can save tens of thousands of dollars in repairs.

Can termites eat through concrete?

Termites cannot eat concrete, but they can exploit cracks as narrow as one thirty-second of an inch to pass through concrete slabs, foundations, and mortar joints. Subterranean termites build mud tubes across hard surfaces to maintain the humidity they need, allowing them to reach wood that might seem well-protected. No foundation is termite-proof without additional prevention measures.

How long does it take for termites to cause serious damage?

A mature subterranean termite colony of 60,000 workers can consume about five grams of wood per day, which translates to roughly two to three linear feet of a standard two-by-four per year. Significant structural damage typically develops over three to eight years, but multiple colonies or particularly large colonies can accelerate that timeline. The hidden nature of the damage is the real danger.

Are termite treatments safe for my family and pets?

Modern termite treatments - including liquid barriers, baiting systems, and targeted applications - are rigorously tested and EPA-registered. When applied according to label directions by a licensed professional, they pose minimal risk to people and pets. Your technician will explain any specific precautions for the products used at your property.

Do I need a termite inspection before buying a home?

Absolutely. A wood-destroying insect (WDI) inspection is a standard part of the home-buying process in most states and is required by many lenders. Even if not required, it is one of the most valuable inspections you can commission. Discovering termite activity or old damage before closing gives you leverage to negotiate repairs or treatment costs.

Need Help With Termite?

If you're seeing signs of termite in or around your home, professional treatment is the fastest way to stop the problem. Lotus Pest Control offers free inspections to identify the issue and recommend the right solution.

Schedule a Free Inspection Call (417) 238-0550