Termite Identification & Prevention

Three things promote termite damage: wood, wood making contact with the ground, and moisture. Properties with fallen trees, old wooden fences, woodpiles, logs, or outbuildings in decay provide termites with reliable food sources they can't pass up. Pieces of wood making direct contact with the ground like deck posts, wood shingles, and porch steps offer termites easy entry and exit points.

Since subterranean termites have high moisture needs and prefer to feed on wet or decaying wood, leaky pipes, poor ventilation, gaps around windows, roof damage, and damage to siding will create moisture issues that attract termites.

Subterranean termites nest underground in damp soil. Workers move through the ground or inside mud tubes to their foraging sites without much notice. Unlike ants or other insects, you won't see them trailing across your lawn, through gardens, or on the surface of decks.

Termites like to feed on structural wood hidden behind walls, siding, wood trim, and under floors inside our homes. Since moisture is key to a termite's survival, wood near windows, doors, sinks, and tubs is most likely to be invaded by hungry termites.