Explore

Find latest termite resources

My Termite Company provides articles, guides, videos, checklists, FAQs, and other information to help homeowners learn more about the topic of termite control.

This page answers “how-to” or “need-to-know” questions about termite control. It is intended to be a dynamic resource and will be updated regularly with new information.

Please contact us with questions or comments that would make this page more useful to you.

Tip of the Month

How to prevent termites

  • Get an annual inspection to detect an early infestation.
  • Fix leaky roofs.
  • Grade soil so that water (including air-conditioning. condensation) runs away from foundation.
  • Remove all wood to soil contact.
  • Repair leaking faucets and water lines, both indoors and outdoors.
  • Ventilate crawl spaces and attics to reduce humidity.
  • Make any necessary wood repair, both indoor and outdoor, as soon as possible.
  • Pre-treat any new wood that will be placed in the home.
  • Live in a house made of concrete and/or brick only.

General Termite FAQs

It is estimated that termites cause an average of 5 billion dollars annually in the United States. Approximately, 4 million homes in the United States face the risk of infestation every year. For each individual home, repairs can range from $250 to $30,000 depending on the type of wood, the amount of damage in the home, and what kind of wood members they are. Keep in mind, subterranean termites cause costly repairs since they live in the soil and damage the foundation first.

A queen termite can live up to 25 years in ideal living conditions, laying up to 3,000 eggs a day! If no treatment is made within the 25 years that a queen can live, she can make new queens that can breed in new areas of a home and start the cycle all over again. a worker termite may live from one to two years.

Termites can be compared to ants with wings, some of which may have a red head. The droppings may look like sand and/or wood shavings. Another evidence is mud trails running along the bottom side of a wall, clear evidence of subterranean termites. Termites are soft-bodied and pale insects almost one-quarter of an inch or less in length. With straight antennae, they have a head and body and their thorax is broadly joined to their abdomen. Read this article how to identify drywood vs subterranean termites.

Still not sure? You can send us a picture of the evidence you have seen in your home via text or email, or schedule a termite inspection.

Yes. Termites are more attracted to old & rotten wood but are not limited to it. New & remodeled homes take months to complete and termites can arrive at any time during the construction period. Even brand new wood from home improvement stores may come with termites already! Think about it, Home Depot will not pre-treat any wood without charging for it.

Termites are not known to carry harmful diseases however it may affect people that suffer from allergies. Some people may be even allergic to termite saliva or droppings. Termites can also disturb the mold and mildew, causing spores to be released into the air, as the spores move through the air, they can trigger asthma in some people and aggravate allergies. In addition, termites damage homes which over time can become.

Termite Treatment resources

Altriset® product resources
Bora-Care® product resources
Termidor® product resources
Tim-Bor® product resources
Vikane® product resources

Termite Fumigation resources

Preparing your home for fumigation
Fumigation planning guide
Bagging instructions before fumigation
Q:A Fumigation brochure by SPCB
Whole-home fumigation with Vikane®

Termite Inspections resources

WDO report form
Inspection sections 1 & 2 explained

Industry resources

Verify contractor license
Pest TV
PestWorld.org
Inspection challenges: slab buildings

Additional resources

My Termite Company – YouTube
Signs of termites
Q:A Termites brochure by SPCB
Will they eat it? termites infographic