Termite Damage: What You Should Know
Catching termite damage early can save you thousands in repairs. Here's what to watch for and how to protect your home.
The Hidden Cost of Termites
Termites are responsible for over $1 billion in property damage each year. Unlike fire or weather damage, termite destruction is usually not covered by homeowners insurance—making early detection and treatment essential.
What Termites Destroy
Termites can compromise the integrity of your home by eating away at key structural elements. Common areas affected include:
- Floors and subfloors
- Wall studs and ceiling joists
- Support beams and posts
- Drywall and insulation
- Roof supports and attics
- Foundations and crawlspaces
Signs of Damage
Unfortunately, by the time signs appear, termites have often been active for months—or even years. These include:
- Sagging or buckling floors and ceilings
- Maze-like patterns in wood
- Hollow-sounding timber
- Mud tubes on foundations
- Discarded wings or swarmers
- Paint that appears bubbled or water-damaged
Can Termite Damage Be Fixed?
Yes, but the severity depends on how early it’s caught. Superficial damage is often repairable. However, structural issues caused by long-term infestations—especially from aggressive species like Formosan termites—can require major reconstruction.
While total loss is rare, it is possible if a large colony goes undetected for several years. That’s why routine inspections are critical, especially in high-risk areas like basements, crawlspaces, and wooden structures with excess moisture.