Wood is a natural food source for termites, and because many of our homes are built with it, or at least contain some wood, they can cause costly damage if left untreated.
Termites eat wood because it contains cellulose, an organic fiber that provides them with energy. When they feed, they hollow out the inside of beams, flooring, or furniture, leaving the surface intact. This makes damage hard to spot until it becomes severe. In many cases, wood eaten by termites may sound hollow when tapped or show blistering paint. Check out our dedicated guide to the signs of termites in walls to learn how to spot some of these signs.
The wood-eating termites have special gut microbes that break down cellulose into nutrients they can absorb. Subterranean termites typically prefer damp wood in contact with soil, while drywood termites thrive inside timbers with low moisture. This is why termites can adapt to a wide range of environments, from fallen logs outdoors to ceiling joists inside homes.
Termite-eaten wood may look normal on the outside but could be riddled with tunnels inside. Warning signs of an infestation include blistered paint, piles of frass (droppings), or mud tubes leading up walls.
Damage isn’t limited to wood inside the home. Termites also feast on trees and other organic matter in the wild, and termites in trees can pose a risk to nearby properties, as when reproductives swarm, they can build new colonies in nearby wooden structures.
All termites eat wood, but different species have different preferences. Subterranean termites often eat softer, damp wood near soil, while drywood termites infest drier, structural timbers. Dampwood termites, as the name suggests, require very moist wood and are more often found outdoors. Regardless of species, the cellulose in wood is what makes it such an attractive target.
Once you spot signs of termites eating wood, it’s important to act quickly. Homeowners can reduce risk by limiting wood-to-soil contact, fixing leaks, and storing firewood away from the foundation. While these steps may help, they don’t address colonies already established in your home.
Professional solutions are the most reliable way to stop termite damage. Our team offers termite prevention services to reduce the risk of infestations, as well as termite treatment options to address active colonies. Book an inspection with us today for expert advice on protecting your property.
Termites are able to digest cellulose, which is found in wood, paper, and some fabrics. They cannot digest metal, concrete, or plastic, so those materials are not at risk.
Not always. Damage is often hidden inside wood, which is why tapping and listening for hollow sounds or spotting frass is helpful.
The speed depends on the species and colony size. A large colony can cause noticeable damage to wooden structures in a relatively short amount of time.
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