What Are Termites?
Termites are small brown or white insects, typically no larger than a half inch.
- Termites feed on cellulose, consuming wood ranging from decaying logs to the framing of a home.
- Subterranean termites are the most common type in the United States, but depending on the location, Formosan subterranean, drywood and dampwood termites might be present.
- All types can do costly damage to homes.
We have tips below to help you identify termites and the damage they can cause, as well as some termite control methods for homeowners. However, in most cases, it requires a professional exterminator to assess a termite problem and remove termites from a home with a serious infestation.
Termites vs. Ants
Termites and ants share several features, but there are key differences:
- A termite has a broad waist while an ant has a narrow, pinched waist.
- A termite has straight or slightly curved antennae while ant antennae have prominent bends.
- A winged termite swarmer has two pairs of wings the same size while the front wings on a flying ant are longer than the rear wings.
While knowing the differences between termites and ants can be helpful, it’s always best to call a professional if you find insects that might be termites.
Signs of Termite Activity
Even if you never see a termite, there are signs that might indicate a problem.
- Stuck Windows or Doors: Termite damage to wood frames can make a window or door difficult to open and close.
- Winged Termite Swarmers: Large numbers of flying termites can indicate a nearby colony.
- Discarded Wings: When swarmers find a mate, they shed their wings, so a large number of discarded wings near a home can indicate a potential problem.
- Mud Tubes: Subterranean termites create mud tubes, often running up a home foundation, to travel between the nest and a food source.
- Termite Droppings: Small piles of debris resembling pellet-like wood particles might be drywood termite droppings, known as frass.
- Wall Damage: Small pinholes in paint or wallpaper or bubbled paint can be a result of termite activity.
- Floor Damage: Buckled or rippled wood planks and loose tile can indicate termites have damaged wood subflooring.
Some damage, such as stuck doors and windows, might be the result of moisture or structural problems. A professional inspection can help identify the source of the problem and recommend solutions.
How to Get Rid of Termites
If your home has a serious termite problem, it’s typically best to leave termite removal to a professional, but some termite control chemicals are suitable for use by DIYers. You can also take steps to prevent a termite problem.
Professional Termite Removal
Professional termite removal methods include:
- Soil Treatments: Different soil treatments can create barriers that repel or kill termites.
- Wood Treatments: Some termiticide wood treatments kill termites that consume or contact the wood.
- Termite Baits: Bait stations provide monitoring of termites and allow the insects to carry termiticide back to a colony.
Home Termite Control
Common homeowner-grade termite control products include:
- Termite Stakes: Install these devices around your home exterior according to the instructions to monitor for or kill termites.
- Termite Control Sprays and Foams: Apply these termiticides as directed for spot treatment and supplementary termite control.
When using any pest control product:
- Make sure it’s designed for the pest you’re targeting.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use, safety, storage and disposal.
Termite Prevention
Make your home and landscape less attractive to these destructive insects:
- Reduce excess moisture in your home and repair leaky pipes.
- Keep your gutters clear and direct water away from your foundation with gutter extensions.
- Eliminate as much wood-to-ground contact as possible and, when necessary, use pressure treated wood rated for ground contact.
- Store firewood away from wood structures.
- Get rid of tree stumps and clean up fallen limbs.
- Keep mulch from contacting wood structures.
- If you’re purchasing a home, have it inspected for termites first.
- Consider setting up regular termite inspections.
Protect Your Home From Termite Damage
Shop Lowes.com for pesticides designed to kill termites as part of spot control and supplementary protection. If you’re not sure what termite control products you need, visit your local Lowe’s and talk to a Lowe’s Red Vest associate. They can show you homeowner termiticides as well as the tools and materials you need to make your property less attractive to termites and other pests.