What Does Termite Damage Look Like?

Termites are well-known for the damage they cause to wood, a clear sign of an infestation. You might notice wood that appears hollow or riddled with tunnels. In severe cases, the surface may blister or peel away like layers of paint. Other signs include:

Doors and Windows Sticking
Bubbled or Sagging Areas on the Floor
Cracks on internal walls, ceiling beams, or rafters
Broken Roof Tiles
Weakened or Hollow Floorboards & Baseboards

Termites tunnel through wood to consume cellulose, leaving it brittle, hollow, and structurally compromised. Infested outdoor wood piles often appear carved out and riddled with tunnels, while splintered edges and wood shavings may also be present. In more advanced cases, the damage can cause wood to warp or bend, mimicking the appearance of water damage. No matter the form it takes, visible termite damage is a strong indication of a serious, long-term infestation.

What Do Termites Damage?

Termites are drawn to any nearby source of wood, especially when it touches the soil. This puts you at high risk for a subterranean termite infestation. Both indoor and outdoor structures in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky can be affected, with the most damage occurring in the following areas:

Support Beams
Wall Studs
Flooring
Posts
Insulation
Outdoor Furniture
Sheds
Lumber
Wooden Decks

Why Do Termites Infest Wood?

Wood contains cellulose, the key ingredient in a termite’s diet. Any wooden structures that touch the soil are particularly at risk. Because wood forms the backbone of most homes, termites often see your property as the perfect feeding ground. Once they’ve established a colony, they can silently eat away at your home’s structure for months or even years before being noticed.

Where Is Termite Damage Around My Home?

Termites naturally target the structural wood of your home, and when the damage becomes extensive, visible signs will start showing throughout the property. As the infestation continues to grow, the integrity of your home becomes increasingly at risk. Acting quickly is essential to stop further damage from occurring.

Common indoor areas where damage tends to appear include:

Walls
Ceilings
Foam Insulation
Slabs
Drywall
Flooring
Tiling
Windows

Outdoor damage from termites often shows up in areas like:

Piles of Firewood
Roof Tiles
Patio Furniture
Decaying Logs

Termite-Resistant Materials

We know termites love wood, but do they affect other building materials? The good news is that termite-resistant materials do exist, including some types of wood:

Cement and Concrete: Termites won’t consume cement or concrete because these materials are too solid and lack cellulose. However, they can enter through small cracks in the concrete.
Redwood and Cedar: These woods are somewhat naturally resistant to termites, though decay can still attract them to both types.
Treated Lumber: By treating lumber, you can prevent rot and make it less attractive to pests. This is why treated lumber is commonly used in new construction.
Metal: Since metal lacks cellulose, it’s not a food source for termites, making it an unsuitable material for infestation.

Termite Damage in Your Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky Home

Termites depend on cellulose for survival. Subterranean termites, commonly found in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, specifically need wood that is in contact with soil. To prevent costly damage, it’s advisable to partner with a professional termite exterminator like Action Pest Control.

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