Can you believe a creature the size of a grain of rice can cause five billion dollars worth of damage across the country each year? Well, it's true. The termite is a social insect that lives and works together in large groups, and unfortunately for us, its main food source is cellulose. When termites find their way into our homes, they feed on structural wood, flooring, wood furniture, and more, causing costly damage that typically isn't covered by homeowners' insurance.

The subterranean termite is the most common termite in our area and across the country. These termites have high moisture needs and prefer to feed on water-damaged or decaying wood. Subterranean termites nest underground and move from their nest to food source through the soil or mud tubes they create. Their most common entry points are cracks in the foundation, wood making direct contact with the ground (doorframes, deck posts, wooden steps), or cracks in brick mortar. Once inside, they will make quick work of tunneling through structural wood, preferring wood damaged by water and found around windows, doors, drains, and plumbing pipes.