Jul 11, 2024 · Every year termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage, and property owners spend over two billion dollars to treat them. This fact sheet focuses on how you, as a consumer, can identify and help protect your property from termites through effective prevention measures and appropriate use of termite treatments.

Termites are a group of detritophagous eusocial cockroaches [3] [4] [5] [6] which consume a variety of decaying plant material, generally in the form of wood, leaf litter, and soil humus.

Feb 13, 2025 · In the United States, homeowners commonly encounter three types of termites: subterranean, drywood, and formosan termites. Here’s a brief breakdown of what these termites look like and some of their key differences: Size: ⅜ to 1 inch. Color: Range from pale brown, light yellowish tan, to dark brown. Habitat: Live in dry wood above ground level.

May 25, 2024 · In forests, termites actually serve an important purpose, breaking down dead trees and helping return them to the soil. But if the colony finds its way into your home and sets up shop, that’s an infestation, and you’ll need to deal with it. How To Know If You Have a Termite Infestation. Termites are blind but they’re always looking for food.

Apr 18, 2025 · Occasionally termites also bore tiny holes through drywall or plaster, accompanied by bits of soil around the margin. 07 of 09. Hollow-Sounding Wood . Abdul Khafid / Getty Images Plus. Termites damage wood by hollowing it out along the grain. When checking your home for termite infestations, if tapping on wood surfaces emits a hollow sound, it ...

Apr 15, 2025 · In this article, we’ll teach you how to identify a termite by looking at its wings, antennae, body shape, and size. We also spoke with pest control professionals Hussam Bin Break and Joshua Bloom for the best advice on how to get rid of an infestation and prevent termites from coming back.

Feb 5, 2025 · Termites are underground insects that feed on wood. They tend to damage homes and other buildings. Termites cause billions of dollars in structural damage. Every year, home and building...

Apr 25, 2025 · termite, (order Isoptera), any of a group of cellulose-eating insects, the social system of which shows remarkable parallels with those of ants and bees, although it has evolved independently. Even though termites are not closely related to ants, they are sometimes referred to as white ants.

Sep 7, 2023 · This guide will walk you through the different options for termite control so you can learn how to get rid of termites, how to kill termites and how to prevent them from damaging your home. Safety: Take extra care when using pesticides in homes with children and pets.

Feb 14, 2025 · Termites are unique because they communicate through chemical signals, vibrations, and physical contact. They use pheromones to send messages across the colony, such as alerting members to danger or guiding them to food sources.