1. Why are termites a threat?
   Termites consume cellulose matter which is the main component of homes. The hard, saw-toothed jaws of termites work like shears and are able to bite off extremely small fragments of wood, one piece at a time. These termites eat 24 hours a day, every day.
2. What does termite-damaged wood look like?
   Look for wood that has been tunneled into with a honeycomb pattern.  You will find soil mixed in with the damage of subterranean termites.  You will notice that primarily the soft wood was consumed. 

1. How can I tell the difference between termite damage and water damage?
   Soil will be mixed in with the damaged wood when termites are the cause of the problem.
2. How do termites find my home?
   Termites live in and under soil and vegetation near wooded areas. Workers forage randomly for cellulose within a range of up to 100 meters, but the closer they are, the more likely it is they find you.
3. Can termites live above ground?
   Yes, drywood termites can infest furniture or attic spaces.  Even subterranean termites can nest above ground if they have access to adequate moisture.

Myth or Fact

1. Myth – I don’t need to worry about termites – I have a brick home and termites only eat wood.
   Fact - Termites can build mud tubes to bypass the exterior shell and reach the wood structure. Although the exterior may be covered in brick, wood, vinyl, stucco, cement board, or stone, the vast majority of homes are built with wood frames.  In addition to wood, termites also eat plant matter.
2. Myth – My home was treated for termites before construction so I don’t need to worry for 20+ years.
   Fact – Treatments will not last 20 years.  Some companies will warranty their work for 1 year with options to extend the warranty for 3-5 years.  Environmental factors, products used, and quality of work performed all impact the length of time the treatment is viable. 

1. Myth – Termites won’t eat wood from my home if there’s lots of mulch or decaying wood or other soft plant matter nearby.
   Fact - Although decaying wood is easier for termites to chew, they will not avoid the consumption of structural timber.  Termites continually seek new sources of food to eat and store for the long-term protection of the colony.
2. Myth – Termites can demolish my house in 2 weeks.
   Fact – Under ‘ideal’ conditions, it would still take even the most aggressive termites several months to ruin a home.
3. Myth – People only get termites in the South.
   Fact – Termites are found in 49 states.  Only Alaska has no termites.

Termite Prevention Tips

1. Remove all ‘wood-to-soil’ contacts which may include wood piles, wood siding, support beams, and any other structural timbers of a home.  
2. Ensure the foundation is exposed and visible, removing plants or mulch from contact with the foundation or exterior walls.
3. Repair any damaged wood. Prevent or resolve any moisture issues in the home or crawlspace and ensure that water drains away from the foundation
4. Inspect any ‘problem areas’ regularly – looking for mud tubes, swarmers, or damaged wood. Get a (free) professional inspection each year. Many termite professionals will provide an inspection at no charge, just be careful they do not try to sell you something you don’t need.
5. If desired, preventive treatments can be made to the soil.