You may not see them until it’s too late. Termites are tough, determined and highly efficient. Chances are unless a technician inspects the property periodically you’ll see no evidence of their work until structural damage has been done.

Subterranean termites live in colonies in the soil, from just below the surface to as much as 12 feet down. Each colony is built around a king and queen, whose sole job is reproduction.

Worker termites commute between the colony and sources of food. Sources of food include wood fibers and other forms of cellulose, which they eat, digest and share with other members of their colony. They keep busy 24 hours every day. These workers rarely break through the surface of wood; instead they hollow it out from the inside. The vast majority of their work is invisible, until something gives way.

There are some preventive measures that you, the homeowner, can do to help detect early signs of infestations: keep all soil levels around the exterior foundation approximately 4-6 inches below the brick and any wood siding. Remove all objects that may be stacked next to your home (especially wood products). Keep all vegetation well trimmed next to your home that could hinder early detection.