Termites cause over five billion dollars in damages to properties every year due to their appetite for wood. They are a type of insect that has the unique ability to consume cellulose, thanks to specialized protozoa that is in their digestive system. The protozoa break down the wood into usable products that the termite is then able to digest. This ability to consume wood makes them helpful when living outside away from people, helping to breakdown decaying pieces of wood and plant materials. However, their unique feeding habits are not beneficial when they decide to nest near our properties and start to feed on our wooden structures. When this happens, they become dangerous and destructive.

In our area of the country, we have three species of termites: subterranean termites, dampwood termites, and drywood termites. Their descriptive names tell you something about each species. Subterranean termites create their large nests under the ground and travel back and forth from their nest to a food source each day. They prefer to feed on wood previously damaged by water and are common invaders of homes and other structures. Dampwood termites have very high moisture needs and prefer to feed on wood with excessive water damage. These termites prefer to be outside feeding on things like fallen trees, logs, tree stumps, and wooden fences. Drywood termites feed on dry or sound wood, and they live within the piece of wood they are feeding on. Drywood termites often find their way into homes inside wooden furniture, wooden antiques, doors, support beams, picture frames, flooring, and attic framing.

Termite prevention tips: Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce humidity levels in your home. Ventilate crawl spaces. Place weatherstripping around windows and doors and keep gutters free of debris to prevent water from seeping into your home’s walls and roof. Repair any leaky pipes and remove any water-damaged wood from your property. Leave a barrier between any soil or mulch and your home’s foundation. Seal up cracks or other openings that develop in the foundation of your home. Remove old or decaying fencing, excess woodpiles, and piles of other organic debris from your property. Before bringing wooden furniture, building materials, or antiques into your home, inspect them for termite damage.