"That may not sound like a lot, but if the wood they’re eating is load bearing and helping to keep the house up, you’ve got a problem," says Phil Koehler, a professor of entomology at the University of Florida, Gainesville. "An undisturbed colony can support millions of individuals. Having a colony of 5 million is like housing a 75-pound animal that’s eating your home 24/7."

Formosans are just one of several types of termites in North America that thrive on old wood, but any termite that finds its way into a forest of wood-framed homes is bad news. "In every temperate climate, you’ll find some species of termite," says Greg Baumann, a vice president and senior scientist for the National Pest Management Association in Fairfax, Virginia. "You’ll find them in run-down shacks as well as in multimillion-dollar mansions; they don’t discriminate." (Click image to enlarge)

Vacation homes are susceptible to termite damage since they are not regularly occupied and are often maintained by a staff that is unaware of the signs of an infestation. "Many people from areas where termites aren’t much of a problem learn the hard way," says Koehler. "They buy a home in Florida and ignore termite evidence. Then, when they find they’ve got thousands of dollars in damage, they assume their insurance will cover it. But homeowners insurance excludes termite damage, so they get stuck with the bill."

The two most common termites in North America are the drywood termite and the subterranean termite. Both leave behind enough clues for professionals and most homeowners to spot. During spring, the drywood species takes flight and searches for new feasting opportunities. Exterminators can locate the lumber-loving insects by looking for tiny silvery wings found abandoned and clumped together (either inside or outside the house), tapping areas made of wood in search of hollow spots, or by looking for the minute balls of wood that make up the insects’ droppings.

Subterranean termites move up from the ground into the home’s framework by digging vertical mud tunnels. "They need these tunnels to retrieve water from the ground, but if there’s a roof or pipe leak inside the home, that will become their water source," explains Baumann.

Controlling termites generally means regular inspections and treatments. "It’s important to have your property checked out annually—and even more often if you own a newly built home," says Baumann. "The wood used in newer frames often isn’t completely dry and can help a termite infestation along."

Furthermore, due to environmental concerns, a less potent pesticide has been used for the past 20 years. It used to be that the ground around the home was treated and the compounds would last 30 to 40 years; now, they break down after five years or so. "Without regular treatments," warns Koehler, "you’re setting your home up to be eaten away." 

Contact:
	National Pest Management Association, 703.352.6762, www.pestworld.org