Top 10 Questions

1. My next-door neighbor is going to have his house treated for termites. Are the termites going to attack my house next?

A neighbor's termites won't necessarily become yours, but there is a real risk. Research has shown a single termite colony can live beneath two average-sized lots, so it is very possible termites may be foraging in or near to your home. Contact a local pest management professional for a thorough inspection of your property, especially the structures.

If termites or termite damage are not found in any structures, a preventive treatment would be a good idea. This can provide years of protection from termites.

For more information on termite treatment options, click here.

2. Can termites tunnel through cement?

Subterranean termites do not eat or damage cement block. However, they can tunnel through cracks, joints or missing mortar and migrate to wood within your home. Besides structural wood, termites may attack furniture, baseboards or molding.

The Formosan termite, called the "super termite" because it consumes wood so quickly, has been known to chew through plaster, plastics, asphalt and even thin sheets of soft metals like lead and copper.

3. What are the termite treatment options for my infestation?

Modern science provides many options when it comes to termite prevention and treatment. At the Termite Institute™, we strongly advise against the "do-it-yourself" approach. Homeowners who try fixing the problem themselves often end up with failure and frustration, and eventually contract with a pest control professional. In the meantime, the termites have continued to eat away at their house.

One option for termite control is a termite bait system, like the Advance® Termite Bait System. These can work well, but commonly take many months to a year to be fully effective. That's because the termites must find the stations, feed on the poisonous material and then transfer it to the colony.

Other options include liquid termite treatments. The new "undetectable" or "nonrepellent" technology works well for subterranean termites, which comprise about 90 percent of the infestations in American households. A pest control professional applies the material to the soil around the home and at critical points within the structure where termites might invade.

The termites are unable to detect the liquid material and will pass through the treated soil. This behavior transfer the control material to the termites, which cause termite mortality. However, before termites die, they can have an opportunity to return to the colony and transfer the material to others in the nest. These liquid products provide excellent control and include Termidor® termiticide/insecticide, Phantom® termiticide-insecticide and Premise®.

For more information on termite control and prevention click here.

To find a pest control professional in your area, click here.

4. Does homeowners' insurance cover the cost of termite damage?

Homeowner's insurance rarely covers any type of wood-destroying insect damage,* but individuals should review their specific policies, as well as contact their insurance agents about the topic.

* Louisiana is a notable exception; some insurance companies have covered termite treatments for hurricane-damaged structures in the state.

5. Do termites bite humans? Can termites cause infection or spread disease?

No, Termites will not bite, sting or transmit diseases to you or your family.

Termites are wood-destroying insects and consume wood as food. If termite damage to wood becomes severe enough, it could lead to poor construction maintenance and possible safety concerns. If you think you have a termite infestation, please schedule an inspection by a pest professional.

6. Can I treat my termite infestation myself?

Termite inspections and treatments are highly specialized and complicated procedures - and best left to licensed, trained pest management professionals. In fact, the most technologically advanced materials are not available to the general public. Proper treatment usually requires specific tools and techniques for inspection and application of materials, and requires up-to-date training and experience. Many structures and sites are complex and have unique characteristics that are best treated by a pest control professional.

7. Will termites go away on their own after termite season passes?

Termites generally must be stopped by human intervention. Don't put your home at risk by waiting for termites to abandon your property, because they'll continue to eat all the wood they can find. Contact a local pest management professional and have a thorough inspection done on the property, especially the structures.

To find a pest control professional in your area, click here.

For more information on termite control and prevention, click here.

8. How often should I get my home inspected by a termite or pest management professional?

In areas with a high volume of termite damage, termite prevention should be considered a part of annual home maintenance, including a home inspection. This will help ensure that you detect termite infestations as early as possible.

An annual home inspection also is a good idea if your home or neighborhood has a history of termite damage, or if you live in a region prone to termites (click here to check to see if you're in a termite Hot Zone). The chemicals in some termite-control products slowly degrade, making them less effective over time. Changes in the condition of your property, such as new cracks in the foundation, can also increase the chance for another invasion.

In both cases, you may need additional treatments. By establishing an ongoing service contract with a pest professional, you can ensure your home receives cost-effective protection from termites. This arrangement will also equip the professional with a history of your home and familiarity with your property, which will help them accurately target any reinfestation.

For more information on working with a pest professional, click here.

9. If I find termites outside my house (in landscaping or wooded areas) does that mean I have termites in my house?

With active termites on the lot, there is a real possibility that you may have foraging termites in your home or other structures. If so, you need treatment to solve the problem. Contact a local pest management professional and have a thorough inspection done on the property, especially the structures.

If termites or termite damage is not found in any structures, a preventative treatment is still a good idea. This can provide years of protection from termites.

Get more information on working with a pest control professional.

10. Do I have ants or termites? How can I tell the difference?

Determining the difference between termites and winged ants can be difficult during swarming season. One notable difference: Flying termites have two pair of wings that are the same size and shape, while winged ants - such as carpenter and fire ants - have front wings that are larger than their hind ones. Also, ant antennae are "elbowed," while termite antennae are straight. Their bodies also differ. Termites have a broad waist, while ants have a narrow midsection. Keep in mind that these distinct characteristics are not always easy to see with the naked eye.

For a diagram of differences between ants and termites, click here.

A professional can positively identify the insect and propose the appropriate treatment. We strongly suggest you contract with a certified pest control professional to inspect your home and determine if you have a problem.