Where Do Termites Hide?

Have you noticed wood damage or mud tubes in your house? You might be looking at evidence of a termite infestation!

Termites are insects known as "silent destroyers" because of their ability to chew through wood, flooring and even wallpaper undetected. Every year, termites cause more than $5 billion in property damage – almost $6.8 billion when accounting for inflation in 2022. This is why being vigilant about termite control and knowing where termites hide is so important.

Termites are likely to set up camp in warm, moist places. This means that homeowners are more at risk for an infestation during the damp spring and summer, but don’t be fooled – termites will crave the warmth of a heated home in the fall and winter as well. These critters have been known to hide in places homeowners don’t often check and oftentimes the signs of an infestation are hard for an untrained eye to detect, making it critical to get an annual termite inspection. 

Below is a list of some key places where termites hide in the home. You’ll want to check these places often for signs of an infestation:

• Attics, basements, and crawl spaces
• Cracks or holes in any walls
• Boxes and shopping bags
• Electrical wiring
• Soft wood in the home that sounds hollow when tapped
• Underneath sinks
• Cupboards

To avoid attracting termites to your home, be sure to clean up the perimeter of your property often. This will prevent termites from being drawn to food sources near your home such as firewood, any leftovers from yard work or gardening, and mulch. It’s also important to check small, enclosed spaces in the home where termites hide such as attics, crawl spaces, cupboards, etc. regularly to ensure termites haven’t moved in. Swarmers, the winged reproductive members of a termite colony, are a telltale indicator of an infestation and will show up around the beginning of spring. 

While prevention is the first step of termite control, if you suspect an infestation always call a pest control professional. Eradication is not a DIY task meant for homeowners. You’ll want to work with a professional who has the knowledge of where termites hide, to help you remove an infestation and do it properly to avoid any future damage.