Termites

Termite Facts & Identification

Protect Your Property from Termites

Termites in East Tennessee

Subterranean Termite

Subterranean termites are small, pale, and soft-bodied insects, usually measuring between 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch long. They live underground in large colonies and build mud tubes to access wood structures. These termites are highly destructive, feeding on wood and other cellulose materials, which can cause significant structural damage to homes and businesses if left untreated. Signs of an infestation include discarded wings, hollow-sounding wood, and visible mud tubes along foundations or walls.

Formosan Termite

Formosan termites are a highly aggressive and destructive species of subterranean termites. They are slightly larger than native subterranean termites, with workers measuring about 1/8 inch long and pale in color, while swarmers are yellowish-brown with translucent wings. These termites build massive underground colonies and can also form aerial nests inside structures. They are found in soil, wood, and moist areas around homes and businesses, often entering through foundation cracks. Formosan termites can cause extensive structural damage at a faster rate than other termite species, making early detection and professional treatment essential.

Drywood Termite

Drywood termites are less common than subterranean or Formosan termites, but they can still pose a threat to homes and businesses. Unlike subterranean termites, they do not require soil contact and instead infest dry, untreated wood, such as structural beams, furniture, and wooden flooring. They are typically light brown to dark brown, with swarmers measuring about 1/2 inch long, including their wings. These termites create small, smooth tunnels inside wood and leave behind tiny, pellet-like droppings called frass, a key sign of infestation.

How Do I Get Rid Of Termites in Wood?

Getting Rid Of Termites

Getting rid of termites in wood requires a combination of treatment methods to eliminate the infestation and prevent future damage. For drywood termites, localized spot treatments with termiticide foam or dust can be applied directly into infested wood. In severe cases, fumigation or heat treatments may be necessary to penetrate deep into the wood and eliminate the entire colony.

Another option is bait stations, which attract termites and expose them to slow-acting insecticides that spread through the colony. To prevent reinfestation, homeowners should remove any decayed or untreated wood, seal cracks and crevices in the foundation, and reduce moisture buildup around the home. The best way to get rid of termites for good is through having a professional pest control technician treat yout property. Learn more about our termite serivces.

Types of Termite Damage

Termite damage

Termite damage can take many forms depending on the infestation’s severity and location. Here are some of the most common types of termite-related destruction:

Termite floor damage – Termites can weaken flooring by hollowing out wooden subfloors and support beams. This can cause floors to feel spongy, sag, or even collapse in severe cases. Warped or buckling floorboards may also indicate an infestation.
Termite structural damage – As termites consume the wooden framework of a home, they weaken its overall integrity. This can lead to significant structural issues, such as shifting foundations, leaning walls, and even the risk of collapse if left untreated.
Termite ceiling damage – In cases of advanced infestation, termites may make their way into ceiling joists and rafters. This can cause visible cracks, sagging, or even holes in drywall and plaster, leading to costly repairs.
Termite wall damage – Drywall and wooden wall studs are prime targets for termites. Infested walls may develop peeling paint, blistering surfaces, or small holes where termites have burrowed through. Hollow-sounding walls when tapped can also be a sign of termite activity.
Termite foundation damage – Subterranean termites often attack wooden components of a home’s foundation, including support beams and crawl spaces. They may also build mud tubes along concrete or brick foundations to access above-ground wood, causing long-term stability issues if not addressed.

Termite Treatment

Pest Ops Termite prevention

If we find an active termite infestation in your home or business, we’ll first identify the type of termite you have because termite removal methods can depend on the species of termite that is infesting your home. Once we identify the termites infesting your home, we’ll create a personalized plan to eliminate your infestation. Typically, we set up termite bait statins and monitoring stations to get rid of the entire colony in one to two treatments. Follow-up treatments are to prevent future infestations.

For professional termite removal services in Knoxville, contact Pest-Ops, LLC at (865) 966-0750.

What Causes Termites?

Food & Environment

Termites are attracted to homes and businesses due to several key factors that provide them with food, moisture, and shelter. Here are some of the main causes of termite infestations:

Wood-to-soil contact – Termites, especially subterranean termites, thrive in moist soil and easily access buildings through direct wood-to-soil contact. Wooden structures touching the ground, such as decks, porches, and foundation beams, can serve as entry points.
Excess moisture – Termites need moisture to survive, making leaky pipes, clogged gutters, poor drainage, and damp basements or crawl spaces ideal environments for them. Wood that stays wet over time becomes an even more attractive food source.
Decaying or untreated wood – Rotting tree stumps, firewood piles, wooden fences, and untreated lumber near a building can invite termites. They will feed on these sources and eventually move to the main structure.
Cracks and openings – Small gaps in a home’s foundation, siding, or roof provide easy access for termites. Even tiny cracks can allow them to enter and start feeding on wooden materials inside.
Mulch and landscaping – Mulch retains moisture and is often placed close to a home’s foundation, creating an ideal environment for termites. Overgrown vegetation can also trap humidity and make structures more vulnerable.
Warm climate conditions – In East Tennessee, termites are active nearly year-round due to mild winters and high humidity levels, which allow them to thrive and spread rapidly.