What Are Termites?

Subterranean termites cause the most damage of all termite types. They nest underground and build mud tubes to reach food sources above ground, protecting themselves from predators and environmental exposure. They eat wood at a continuous pace and can critically damage a building's infrastructure, even causing complete structural collapse if left untreated.

Colonies of the Formosan variety can reach 2 to 3 million members. Subterranean termites are found in all 50 states, making them the most widespread and costly termite threat in the country.

Drywood termites are generally less destructive than subterranean termites because their colonies only support a few thousand members. However, because they prefer dry wood, they typically target structural elements like support beams and framing. Damage to these critical components can require expensive reconstructive repairs even when the overall colony is smaller. They leave behind frass (powdery droppings) as a distinctive sign of their presence.

Dampwood termites are much less invasive than subterranean termites and are often found outside in areas not protected from the elements. However, if they find access to areas of a home impacted by moisture, such as leaking plumbing or pooled water, they can cause substructure damage to flooring and foundation supports. Addressing moisture problems is the most important step in preventing dampwood termites.

Structural or Wood Damage

Homes constructed of wood are prime targets, but even non-wood structures can host infestations. Termites can traverse non-wood materials to reach food sources like cabinetry and furniture.

Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites build mud tubes made of soil and wood debris along foundations and walls to reach food sources above ground while protecting themselves from predators and exposure.

Frass (Termite Droppings)

Also known as frass, termite droppings are a sure indicator of infestation. These tiny fecal mounds appear as a dark powdery substance or small wooden pellets resembling sawdust, typically found near nest entrances.

Discarded Wings

After swarmers mate and find a new nesting site, they discard their wings. These are normally found at entry points like windows, doors, and cracks and are often the most visible external sign of a new colony being established.

Termite Tapping Sounds

Worker termites are noisy eaters and the sound of them breaking down wood cellulose can be heard by placing an ear against an infested wall. Soldier termites also bang their heads against wood to signal danger to the colony.

Tunnels (Galleries) in Wood

Galleries are difficult to see from outside but become visible in broken wood in or around your home. Their presence is a strong indicator that termites have taken residence inside the structure.

Hollow Sounding Wood

Termites consume wood from the inside out, leaving a thin shell of wood and paint behind. Hollow sounds coming from what should be solid wood are typically a sign of active termite damage within.

Bubbling or Peeling Paint

Often associated with moisture buildup, bubbling or peeling paint can also be caused by termites as the moisture they introduce and the tunneling they do beneath the surface distorts the paint above.

Termite Swarms

A flying termite swarm is usually the first outwardly visible sign of an infestation. Swarms consist of reproductive males and females leaving a colony to mate and establish a new colony. All drywood termites tend to swarm after rain at a specific time of year.

White Ant-Like Insects

Less mature termites appear lighter, sometimes nearly white in color. If you see what appear to be white or pale ants, particularly in wall voids or damp areas, they are likely termite nymphs or workers.

Dried Mud or Pin Holes

These are generally signs of exit holes created by termites. They can indicate swarmers that have left the colony or accidental surface breaches that workers patch. Scraping dried mud to reveal a small pin hole is a strong sign of infestation.

Stuck Windows or Doors

While often related to water damage, stuck windows and doors can also indicate wood warping caused by termite activity. The moisture produced during feeding and tunneling causes wood to expand and contract, making frames fit poorly.

Discolored or Drooping Drywall

Termite galleries running beneath drywall can cause its surface to discolor and sag. Termites cannot eat gypsum but will consume the cardboard covering and any wood paneling underneath, weakening the drywall from behind.

Blistering or Squeaky Floorboards

Blistering can indicate active termites causing floor panels to swell as they nest beneath. Squeaky or hollow floors may result from structural damage to the subfloor or joists below the visible surface.

Power Short Circuits

Termites are attracted to the warmth of electrical fittings and can inadvertently cause short circuits. Recurring unexplained electrical issues should prompt an inspection for frass or earthy materials near electrical boxes and fittings.

Mating Flight

A termite's life cycle begins when reproductives (swarmers) leave an established colony to mate mid-air. After fertilization, their wings are discarded and a new colony is created. A single queen and king emerge from the swarm to become the founding pair of the new nest.

Eggs and Larvae

After mating, the fertilized queen begins laying eggs. The eggs develop into white larvae that are taken care of by worker termites. The queen's egg production capacity increases significantly as the colony matures.

Molting

Termite larvae develop a soft exoskeleton as they grow. This exoskeleton is molted and replaced with a harder shell as the termite matures into one of the three castes: worker, soldier, or reproductive. The molting process can continue as colony needs change, with termites capable of shifting caste roles depending on what the colony requires to survive.