Termites

termite

Among all wood-boring insects, termites are by far the most destructive. An average single-family home may have up to four termite colonies beneath it, with each colony housing up to a million termites. Protecting your home from these relentless pests is essential to preventing costly structural damage. See below for more information...

termite damage

Termites require moisture to survive and can quickly die from dehydration due to their thin exoskeleton when exposed to open air. To maintain a humid environment and protect themselves from predators, they construct protective mud tubes from the soil to your home, allowing them to remain hidden most of the time. Even the smallest crack in your foundation—whether in a basement or concrete slab—can provide termites with an entry point to begin destroying your home’s structure.

Instead of building extensive mud tunnels, termites often take advantage of foundation cracks to access the wood framing in your home, as these protected pathways offer a more efficient route. Once inside, anything made of wood—such as framing, window and door casings, subfloors, floor joists, and sills—becomes a potential food source. Because termites feed from the inside out, their presence often goes unnoticed until significant structural damage has already occurred, sometimes taking years before detection.

The image below is a main carrying beam (from my clients prospective home) with Termite damage. Note how most of the Termite activity remains within the center of this beam. That's exactly why Termite infestations are almost impossible for a typical homeowner to visually observe.

termites in beam

The image below shows a main carrying beam from my client’s prospective home with termite damage. Notice how most of the termite activity is concentrated within the center of the beam. This hidden destruction is precisely why termite infestations are often difficult for homeowners to detect with the naked eye.

termites

This is an extreme situation where a termite infestation was so bad that they built vertical tunnels in mid air

As if the damage itself weren’t bad enough, termites leave behind a chemical trail after feeding, signaling other termites that a food source is nearby and guiding them straight to the infested areas of your home. Once this destructive cycle begins, it cannot be stopped without the expertise of a professional exterminator who can identify and treat the hidden areas where termites thrive. Wood-boring insect infestations are extremely difficult for homeowners to control once they take hold. Treating termites is not a DIY project—if you notice any signs of activity, do yourself a favor and hire a professional exterminator.

VIEW A LIVE TERMITE TRAIL IN ACTION AND UP CLOSE

VIEW LIVE TERMITES IN THEIR NEST

VIEW A LIVE TERMITE CHEWING WOOD UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

WHAT ARE TERMITES ATTRACTED TO, BESIDES WOOD?

It's moisture. Moisture is a key factor in attracting termites, and keeping it under control—especially beneath your home—can be challenging. Termites often gain entry through these damp areas, making your property more vulnerable to infestation. The good news is that in many cases, the issue begins in accessible areas outside and around your home, where exposed wood traps moisture. The best way to protect your home is through prevention.

HERE'S HOW YOU CAN PROTECT YOUR HOME AGAINST TERMITES:

Above all, schedule an annual termite inspection and stay vigilant for signs of infestation, such as mud tubes along exposed exterior surfaces—especially the foundation—and swarming termites in April and May.

Keep shrubs, bushes, vines, and other dense greenery trimmed away from your home’s foundation and siding to reduce moisture buildup and eliminate potential termite pathways.

Many homeowners stack firewood outside during the winter, but those who don’t use the entire pile often let it sit year-round. This creates several problems: the wood begins to rot due to weather exposure, it becomes too damp to burn effectively, and—most importantly—it attracts termites looking for a new home. While storing firewood outdoors is sometimes necessary, especially in colder months, the best practice is to keep the pile raised off the ground and positioned away from your house to minimize the risk of infestation.

In line with the previous point, remove all lumber, tree stumps, and any other wood materials from around your home’s perimeter. If you’re storing wood for a future home improvement project, keep it in a dry, elevated area inside your garage. No wood should ever be in direct contact with the ground—this includes your home’s exterior finishes, which should be positioned 6 to 8 inches above the grading to prevent moisture buildup and termite intrusion.

Additionally, replace any wood posts or stair stringers that penetrate a concrete floor or rest on dirt in a basement or crawl space of a Post and Beam foundation. These direct wood-to-ground connections create an open invitation for termites, providing them with an easy pathway to more vulnerable areas of your home’s structure.

If you have leaky pipes or any water accumulation beneath your home, it's time to call a professional (or handle it yourself if you're able). Don’t delay any longer—persistent moisture can already be attracting termites. Similarly, if you find standing water anywhere inside or outside your home, especially in your basement, remove it immediately. See Wet Basements for more information.

Regularly clean your gutters and downspouts to prevent clogs and obstructions, which can attract termites. Also, check your gutters for any signs of disrepair. It's important to inspect your home's crawl space as well. Ensure it's properly protected to help prevent termite infestations. Reducing moisture and humidity in crawl spaces can be achieved by installing 4-6 ml polyethylene sheeting over the soil surface. This vapor barrier will minimize moisture evaporation from the soil and condensation on joists and subflooring. For more details, please read Crawl Spaces.

Since termites can prey on the outside of your home, inspect your home regularly for any foundation cracks. If you find cracks inside or outside, seal them immediately. Ensure that your home receives continual maintenance to keep its exterior paint in good condition. Chipping, peeling paint can increase the likelihood of termite infestation.

As a homeowner, it’s impossible to guarantee 100% protection against termite infestations. However, by taking these preventative measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of an infestation in your home. Given the potential cost of damage, inspection, and extermination, there’s nothing to lose by implementing these precautions. While termites may find a meal at your house, they are not the only pests looking to damage your home.

I discovered this termite activity in the sill area of a home that was in close proximity to the grading.

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Hi Dave,

I was very impressed with you on Monday when we met in Peabody . I have never seen a home inspector spend 4 hours doing the most total inspection you did. And not only doing the inspection but educating your client at the same time.

I am sending you a new client, his name is Norman C. He is a good friend of mine. He is buying a house in Wenham on lake street and asked if I knew a "good" home inspector.

I have seen a lot of home inspectors over the years. The general contractor who couldn't make it on his own and thought that being a home inspector was another way of making money. But, all the while feeding his bad information along with his bad practices. David, your not that guy. I put you in the top 5% of all the home inspectors I've seen in the past 25 years. Well done!

David Carnevale

Owner 1-800-PLUNGER