Did you know a termite infestation in your home can set you back between $218 to $2500?

Termites cause damage to a home by eating wood and wood products. Because termites have special enzymes, protozoa, and bacteria in their guts, they can ingest and digest wood products.

If you suspect you have a termite problem, you came to the right place. Read on to learn what termite damage can do.

Common Types of Termites

Although there are many different types of termites, the two most common are drywood and subterranean termites. 

As far as subterranean termites, Formosan termites are the most common in the southeastern region of the United States.

While they can cause a lot of damage, drywood termites don’t cause the same extensive damage that subterranean termites do. The damage done by subterranean termites is in the billions each year.

Subterranean termites cause more damage because they tend to have larger or multiple colonies, keep their droppings in their tunnels, and go unnoticed longer. Drywood termites, on the other hand, tend to have smaller colonies, and they leave their feces behind on surfaces.

Average Termite Timeline

It’s also important to learn how long it takes for termites to cause significant damage to your home.

For example, a large colony of subterranean termites can eat about a pound of wood per year.

However, because these termites can go unnoticed for a long time, it can take people between three to eight years to notice the damage done by termites. Most termite colonies don’t mature for three to five years, which is why it’s a lengthy process.

Structural Wood Damage

To survive, subterranean termites like to stay near high-moisture areas. Because they stay near the soil rich in moisture, subterranean termites will start eating out the structural wood of your house, such as the crawl space and foundational walls. 

If termites damage your structural wood, it can be one of the most expensive repairs because it’s difficult to fix structural damage. Most of the time, you will also need floor joist repair.

Window and Door Wood Damage

Termites can also start to eat away the wood located around your window and door frames. 

While it’s not easy to spot termite damage when it’s in the attic or crawl space, you will be able to inspect your window and door frames for signs of termite damage. 

The most common signs are wavy-looking wood or voids throughout the surface.

Damage to Wood Inside the Home

Not only can termites eat away the structural wood of your home and window frames, but they can also cause damage to the inside of your home. Once they make their way inside your house, termites can start to eat away your wood furniture and flooring.

Has Your Home Suffered Termite Damage?

Now that you know what termite damage can do to your home, you’re ready to put an end to it. 

Termite can cause severe damage throughout many years. The most common damage caused by a termite infestation includes structural damage, damage to the window and door frames, and the wood inside your house. 

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