The Basics of Preventing Termite Damage

Termite 101

• Termites live inside wood or underneath the ground.
• Termites can slip through cracks in a home’s foundation as thin as an average business card (1/32″).
• Termites eat wood from the inside out, keeping the outside of a wood surface completely intact.
• Termites are social insects that live in colonies of up to several thousand.

While termite species vary based on region, all termites require four things to survive: food, moisture, shelter and optimal temperature. Whether your home is brick, stucco, or wood, termites can thrive in any of these environments.

Be mindful of these key warning signs of infestation:

• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped.
• Pencil-sized mud tubes on exterior walls.
• Distorted, cracked, or bubbling areas of paint on wood surfaces.

While effective pest control requires continued monitoring by a trained professional, there are some practical steps you can also take to help prevent termite damage, including:

• Sealing gaps and cracks in places like attic vents, window joints, and eaves.
• Preventing ground contact with foam insulation or wood.
• Checking decks and wooden fences for damage.
• Eliminating moisture and removing wood sources, including mulches that are close to the home.
• Keeping gutters and downspouts clean and free of debris.

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