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My Termite Company offers easy-to-read articles, guides, videos, checklists, FAQs, and more to help you better understand termite control.

This page answers common “how-to” and “need-to-know” questions about termites. It’s designed to grow with you—new content is added often.

Feel free to contact us with any suggestions that could make this page even more helpful.

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How to prevent termites

  • Schedule an annual termite inspection to catch early signs.
  • Repair leaky roofs and stop moisture buildup.
  • Grade soil so water, including AC condensation, drains away from your foundation.
  • Eliminate wood-to-soil contact.
  • Fix leaking faucets and water lines inside and outside the house.
  • Keep crawl spaces and attics well-ventilated to lower humidity.
  • Address any wood damage—indoors or out—as soon as possible.
  • Pre-treat any new wood before it’s installed in your home.
  • Consider non-wood construction materials like brick or concrete.

General Termite FAQs

Termites cause an estimated $5 billion in damage annually across the U.S. Each year, around 4 million homes face the risk of infestation. For a single property, repair costs can range from $250 to $30,000—depending on the damage and type of wood affected. Subterranean termites are especially destructive, often damaging a home’s foundation first.

In ideal conditions, a queen termite can live up to 25 years and lay around 3,000 eggs per day. Without treatment, she may create new queens that spread the infestation to other areas. Worker termites typically live one to two years.

Termites often resemble winged ants. Some may have red heads. Their droppings look like sand or wood shavings. Mud tubes along walls are a common sign of subterranean termites. These insects are soft-bodied, pale, and less than ¼ inch long, with straight antennae and a broad waist. Read this article on how to identify dry wood vs subterranean termites.

Still unsure? Send us a photo via text or email – or schedule a termite inspection.

Yes. Termites prefer rotting wood but aren’t limited to it. They can invade new builds at any stage of construction. Even fresh lumber from home improvement stores may carry termites since most wood isn’t pre-treated unless requested and paid for.

Termites don’t carry diseases, but they can affect people with allergies. Some may react to termite saliva or droppings. As termites disturb mold or mildew, they can release spores into the air—triggering asthma or allergic reactions. On top of that, their damage can compromise your home’s safety over time.

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

Additional resources

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