Termites are considered one of the most destructive pests on the planet, chewing through wood at an alarming rate and causing an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage annually. Known as “silent destroyers,” termites will damage just about anything containing cellulose, which includes the wood used to build structures, flooring and even paper drywall coverings. While some might assume termites are just household pests, the truth is these pests do not discriminate and pose a serious threat to the structural integrity of commercial facilities too. Additionally, swarming termites can cause costly disruptions to operations. For facility managers looking to protect their property from the threats posed by pests, termites should not be overlooked.

Termite Species
Depending on the species, termite colonies can consist of millions of members, all of which may be hidden out of sight either tunneling underground or inside a wooden structure. Various types of termites can be found across the country. Regions with warmer and wetter climates typically experience greater termite pressure and are therefore at an increased risk for structural termite damage. Regardless of location, all facilities are at risk for termite damage, and managers need to be knowledgeable in order to protect their buildings. Below are the major types of termites or termite species that could cause facility managers trouble.

• Native Subterranean Termites: The group of termites known collectively as native subterranean termites includes some of the most destructive termite species. They prefer to nest and forage in moist soil as well as wood that is in contact with soil. These termites build distinctive tube-like shelters, often referred to as “mud tubes,” that extend from the soil to a wood source. They eat wood 24 hours a day, seven days a week, using their strong jaws to bite off small fragments of wood one piece at a time. Over time, this feeding behavior can severely degrade the structural integrity of a building. Subterranean termite damage threatens structures across the country, as they’re found in every state in the U.S.
• Formosan Termites: Of all the subterranean termite species in the U.S., the Formosan subterranean termite has the potential to be the most destructive because it can generate much larger colonies than most other species. Their huge underground colonies can number into the millions. In a single day, a Formosan termite queen can produce more than 1,000 eggs, rapidly growing a colony. Aside from wood, they can even chew through PVC pipes and electric cable insulation, causing costly damage and even power outages. This species is mostly found in the southeastern U.S. but is also established in Hawaii and California.
• Drywood Termites: Drywood termites typically inhabit undecayed wood and do not require contact with soil to survive like subterranean termites. Because of this, they can make themselves at home inside wooden furniture once inside a building. Drywood termites are most commonly found along southern coastal states, ranging from South Carolina to the west coast of California. Additionally, localized infestations can occur in other parts of the U.S. when infested items are unknowingly transported.

Tell-Tale Signs of a Termite Infestation
In addition to being familiar with what termite species may be infesting a facility, it is also important that facility managers and employees know the top five tell-tale signs of a termite infestation:

• Sign #1: Swarmers
  • Often confused with flying ants, swarmers are male and female winged termites that emerge in large numbers (often hundreds or thousands at a time) to seek a mate and start a new colony. Swarming termites inside a building is a sure sign of infestation because only mature colonies that have been established for multiple years exhibit this behavior.
• Sign #2: Discarded Wings 
  • Swarmers break off their wings after emerging then begin crawling to find a mate. The discarded wings of swarmers can often be found near windows and doors and are often the first and only outwardly visible sign of a termite problem.
• Sign #3: Wood Damage
  • Termites tend to eat wood from the inside out, so wood that sounds hollow when tapped often signifies a termite infestation. Termite damage often contains dried mud or dirt and typically follows the grain of the wood and will often appear to have a layered appearance.
• Sign #4: Frass 
  • Drywood termites produce wood-colored droppings as they eat through infested wood. Finding a small pile of what looks like pellets underneath or beside a wood object could be a sign of a drywood termite infestation.
• Sign #5: Mud Tubes  
  • Subterranean termites build mud tubes to provide moisture when they travel between their colony and a food source. Mud tubes are most often found on the building’s foundation.

Termite Prevention
The best way to prevent termites in your facility is to work with a professional pest control company to perform regular inspections. Your professional pest control partner will develop an integrated pest management (IPM) plan. An IPM plan is a comprehensive pest control program that that focuses on three basic techniques: inspection, prevention and control by a pest control professional. This method will help ensure pests are properly controlled and prevented in a commercial business setting.

Additionally, it’s recommended that facility managers take steps to prevent termite infestations including:

• Eliminating or correcting any moisture concerns in and around the facility by repairing leaks and diverting water away from the building with functioning downspouts and gutters.
• Routinely inspecting the foundation and substructure of the building for signs of mud tubes, damage and swarmers.
• Maintaining an 18-inch gap between soil and any wood portions of the building.

Maintaining and protecting a commercial facility is no easy task – especially when termites are an ever-present threat. However, understanding common termite species, knowing the signs of an infestation and partnering with a professional pest control company to develop an IPM plan specific to your facility’s specific location and needs can make the job a lot easier.

Dr. Jim Fredericks is the Chief Entomologist and Senior Vice President for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA).

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