December 2, 2023
Edited by
Kurt Freudensberger
Copy Reviewed by
Michelle Sanchez
Scientifically reviewed by
Home / Blog / Termites / Top Signs of Termite Damage
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Scientifically reviewed by Daniel Baldwin, BCE, CCFS, CP-FS
-Published on August 2, 2022
-Updated on March 11, 2025
Termites are capable of causing a lot of damage to a home’s structure. It’s important to learn the signs of termite damage so you can stop an infestation and treat any issues in the structure of your home.
Termites live in colonies that typically number in the hundreds or higher. Most species require moisture to remain alive and active, which is why they tend to nest in or near soil.
Termites mainly consume cellulose. This organic substance is present in wood, paper, cotton fibers, and plant life. In homes, termites will find and eat cellulose by attacking the following sources:
Termites tend to stay away from some woods, such as cedar, cypress, and redwood. They’ll also ignore pressure-treated wood and composite lumber. Drywall, or particleboard, though, is on their dietary preference list.
The signs of termite damage to your wood may not become evident for months or sometimes years after the destruction has taken place, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs. Since termite activity can go unnoticed for long periods of time, it’s important to stay ahead of an infestation and follow these steps to look for signs.
Look for the following when determining whether you have a termite infestation that needs addressing:
Termite mud tubes are tunnels the insects create with their saliva and use to travel from their nests to their food sources and back. The mud tubes are about as wide as a pencil, and they spread out on walls or the ground in a vein-like pattern. Look for mud tubes outside of your home as a sign of termite activity.
Our experts continually monitor the pest control space,and we update our articles when the new inforation becomes available.
Edited by
Kurt Freudensberger
Copy reviewed by
Michelle Sanchez
Scientifically reviewed by
Daniel Baldwin. BCE. CCFS, CP-FS
Edited by
Kurt Freudensberger
Copy Reviewed by
Michelle Sanchez
Scientifically reviewed by
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