Silent Destroyers

This summer, homeowners might be planning some exciting home improvement projects, from major renovations to DIY fixes large and small. One of the more important aspects of home maintenance is proper pest prevention to help ensure the home remains a masterpiece more so than a money pit. Termites in particular pose a major threat, causing more than $5 billion in property damage each year – costs that are typically not covered by homeowners insurance policies.

Depending on the species, termite colonies can consist of millions of members, all of which may be hidden out of sight either tunneling underground or inside a household’s wooden structure. Various types of termites can be found across the country. Regions with warmer and wetter climates typically experience greater termite pressure and are therefore at an increased risk for structural termite damage. Regardless of your location, homes of every size and model throughout the country are at risk for termite damage, and property owners need to take necessary precautions to protect their homes and their wallets.

The group of termites known collectively as subterranean termites includes some of the most destructive termite species. They prefer to nest and forage in moist soil as well as wood that is in contact with soil, hence their name. These termites build distinctive tube-like shelters, often referred to as “mud tubes,” that extend from the soil to a wood source. They eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using their saw-toothed jaws to bite off small fragments of wood one piece at a time. Over time, this feeding behavior can degrade the structural integrity of a building, potentially causing a total collapse. Subterranean termite damage threatens homeowners across the country, as they’re found in every state in the U.S.