What Are Termites: Understanding These Destructive Pests

Zachary DeLorenzo
Sep 10
3 min read

Professional pest control services help homeowners understand what termites are and how these destructive insects operate in organized colonies. These wood-eating pests live in complex social groups with different roles and responsibilities. Workers, soldiers, and reproductive termites communicate using chemical signals and vibrations to coordinate their activities. What are termites exactly? They are insects that build mud tubes and tunnels to move safely between their nests and food sources. Understanding termite behavior helps property owners recognize threats and take action before serious damage occurs.

Termite Basics

Termites are social insects that live in large, organized colonies with thousands of members. These insects eat cellulose, which they find in wood, paper, and other plant materials around homes and buildings. Each colony has three main groups: workers that gather food, soldiers that protect the nest, and reproductive termites that create new colonies. They communicate with each other using chemical signals called pheromones and by producing vibrations. Termites build mud tubes to travel safely from their underground nests to wood sources above ground. Knowing how termites work helps homeowners spot problems early and protect their property.

Types of Termites

There are three main types of termites that cause problems for homeowners. Subterranean termites live underground and need contact with soil to survive. They build their colonies below ground and create mud tubes to reach wood above the surface. Drywood termites don't need soil and can live directly inside dry wood structures like furniture and house frames. Dampwood termites prefer wet, rotting wood and are often found in areas with moisture problems. Knowing which type you're dealing with helps determine the best treatment approach.

Signs of Infestation

Several warning signs can help you spot a termite problem before it gets worse. Mud tubes on walls, foundations, or in crawl spaces are a clear sign of subterranean termites. You might find discarded wings near windows or doors after termites swarm to start new colonies. Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or shows visible damage could mean termites are eating it from the inside. Small holes in wood, piles of what looks like sawdust, or mud in cracks and gaps are other signs that need immediate attention.

Damage Caused by Termites

Termites cause serious structural damage that can be expensive to repair. Here's how they harm buildings:

Eating Wood: Termites eat wood from the inside, making beams and supports weak while leaving the surface looking normal.
Tunneling: They create networks of tunnels inside wood, which weakens the structure and can lead to collapse.
Damaged Insulation: Termites also eat insulation materials, which reduces energy efficiency and increases heating and cooling costs.

The worst part is that this damage often goes unnoticed for months or years, making regular inspections important for catching problems early.

Prevention Methods

Stopping termites before they get into your home is much easier than getting rid of them later. Keep the soil around your foundation dry by fixing leaks and improving drainage. Remove wood debris, old stumps, and lumber from around your house. Make sure the wooden parts of your home don't touch the soil directly. Keep gutters clean and fix any moisture problems in basements or crawl spaces. Regular inspections can help you catch small problems before they become big ones.

Termite Treatment Options

Several treatment methods can help eliminate termite colonies and protect your property. Chemical treatments applied to soil around foundations create a barrier that kills termites trying to enter. Physical barriers made of metal mesh or special materials can block termites from reaching your home's foundation. Bait stations placed around your property attract termites with poisoned food that they carry back to their colony, killing the entire group. Professional pest control companies often combine these methods for the best results. Regular follow-up inspections help make sure the treatment worked and catch any new activity early.