Termites work out of sight
Termites feed on wood from the inside, so damage can build for a long time before anyone notices. Catching them early limits repairs. The two main groups found in homes are subterranean termites, which live in the soil and travel into houses through mud tubes, and drywood termites, which live entirely inside the wood they eat. Which type you have changes how they're treated.
Signs of termites
- Mud tubes on foundation walls, piers, crawlspace supports or along slab edges. Subterranean termites build these pencil-width tunnels to travel between soil and wood.
- Swarmers. Winged termites, often seen in spring around windows and lights, or their discarded wings on sills and floors.
- Frass. Drywood termites push out tiny, hard pellets that collect in small piles below infested wood.
- Hollow-sounding or damaged wood, blistered paint, or wood that crumbles easily.
- Tight doors and windows where termite activity has distorted the frame.
Ants with wings are sometimes mistaken for termite swarmers. Termites have straight antennae, a thick waist and wings of equal length; ants have elbowed antennae, a narrow waist and front wings longer than the back ones.
The inspection
A termite inspection covers the foundation, crawlspace, attic, garage, interior walls, window and door frames, and the exterior, looking for activity, damage and conditions that attract termites, such as wood touching soil, moisture problems and debris. The inspector should give you a written report with a diagram, what they found, and their recommendations. Inspections are also common when homes are sold.
Treatment options
- Liquid soil treatments create a treated zone in the soil around and under the foundation that termites must pass through. They're a common treatment for subterranean termites.
- Bait systems are stations placed in the soil around the house. Termites feed on the bait and carry it back to the colony. They need regular monitoring.
- Spot treatments for drywood termites inject treatment into infested wood. They suit localized infestations that can be reached.
- Fumigation (tenting) fills the whole structure with a gas fumigant for drywood termites when infestations are widespread or hard to reach. The household must leave for a period, and food and medicines must be bagged or removed.
- Heat treatment raises the temperature of a structure or area to levels that kill drywood termites, as an alternative to fumigation in some cases.
- Wood replacement removes damaged wood and repairs the structure.
A good contractor explains which options fit your infestation, what each involves and what follow-up is included.
Prevention
- Keep soil, mulch and firewood away from wood siding and framing.
- Fix leaks and drainage problems that keep wood and soil wet.
- Keep crawlspaces ventilated and dry.
- Seal cracks in foundations where possible.
- Schedule periodic inspections, especially in areas where termites are common.
Questions to ask
- Which type of termite is this, and how extensive is it?
- Which treatment do you recommend, and what are the alternatives?
- What preparation will I need to do, and how long will I be out of the house, if at all?
- What follow-up inspections or warranty are included, and what does the warranty require of me?
- Who repairs any damaged wood?
Buying or selling a home
A termite inspection is a routine part of many home sales. If the report finds activity or damage, it usually separates items needing treatment now from conditions likely to lead to future problems. Ask for a copy, and get a separate price for treatment and repairs.