Common Places to Find a Termite Infestation in Your Home

Termites love wooden beams, floor joists, and any part of the home’s structure that is made of wood. These areas provide direct access to the cellulose in the wood that termites feed on. Crawl spaces, basements, and attics with exposed wooden beams are particularly vulnerable to infestation.

Termites often enter homes through cracks in the foundation or near the baseboards, especially in homes with wooden foundations or those that use wood as a framing material. Subterranean termites, in particular, build mud tubes that lead from the ground up to the wood, which they use as a food source.

Drywood termites tend to burrow into walls, especially if the walls are made from or contain wood. They usually enter through small cracks, and over time, their tunneling can hollow out wooden wall structures, leading to significant damage.

Termites can be found infesting wooden doors and window frames. These areas provide direct access to the outdoors, making them prime entry points for termites seeking shelter and food. Look for signs of infestation, such as soft wood, bubbling paint, or tiny exit holes.

Drywood termites are known to infest wooden furniture. They may chew through tables, chairs, bed frames, and cabinets, leaving hollow sections and small piles of termite droppings (frass) as evidence. Be cautious with second-hand furniture, as it can sometimes harbor termites.

If you have an exterior deck or wooden porch, these areas are particularly vulnerable to termite attacks. Termites love untreated or damaged wood, which can be common in outdoor spaces due to exposure to the elements. Regularly inspect these structures for any signs of damage or termite activity.

While not technically inside your home, wood mulch and firewood piles near the foundation of your house can attract termites. Once they infest these outdoor materials, they may move on to your home’s wooden structures. Keep firewood and mulch away from your house, and inspect them regularly.