Myth vs Fact
Discover the truth about termites and separate the most common myths from the facts. Stay informed and empowered to defend your home against potential termite damage.
Myth: If you don’t see termites, your home is safe
Fact: Termites are a silent threat and can go unnoticed until the costly damage is already done
Myth: Termites only live in warm, tropical climates
Fact: Termites live in every state except Alaska, but they thrive in warm climates, meaning they're most active in the South, Southeast, West and Southwest.
Myth: Termites don’t infest new or well-maintained homes
Fact: Every home is at risk, regardless of age or condition
Myth: Homeowners’ insurance covers termite damage
Fact: Termites inflict over $5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S., often not covered by home insurance
Myth: I don’t have termites, so I don’t need termite protection
Fact: Termites can strike at any time, without warning - installing a Terminix termite protection system gives you around the clock protection
Myth vs Fact
Discover the truth about termites and separate the most common myths from the facts. Stay informed and empowered to defend your home against potential termite damage.
Myth: If you don’t see termites, your home is safe
Fact: Termites are a silent threat and can go unnoticed until the costly damage is already done
Myth: Termites only live in warm, tropical climates
Fact: Termites live in every state except Alaska, but they thrive in warm climates, meaning they're most active in the South, Southeast, West and Southwest.
Myth: Termites don’t infest new or well-maintained homes
Fact: Every home is at risk, regardless of age or condition
Myth: Homeowners’ insurance covers termite damage
Fact: Termites inflict over $5 billion in property damage annually in the U.S., often not covered by home insurance
Myth: I don’t have termites, so I don’t need termite protection
Fact: Termites can strike at any time, without warning - installing a Terminix termite protection system gives you around the clock protection
Termites map
Hot, humid areas provide an ideal area to thrive — ideal for termites, that is. These areas aren't so ideal for homeowners stuck with the damage caused by these pests.Read more about termites in the U.S.
Eastern subterranean termite pressure
Termite types
There are more than 2,000 termite species worldwide! These silent destroyers are found all over the world and approximately 50 of those species can be found in the United States.
The basics
Knowing the basics of termite identification can mean the difference between stopping a termite infestation early or having to make expensive repairs.
Like many nesting insects, termites are social creatures. They form large colonies based on a hierarchy or caste structure that is comprised of three main groups.
take care of eggs, maintain the colony and look for food.
protectors of a colony and typically larger in size
include the king termite, queen and winged (swarmers)
Where termites hide
Termites are silent destroyers often causing thousands of dollars in damage before you see the signs.
Your best defense is a good offense. Here are some things you can do yourself to help prevent termites from infesting your home.
Treatment
The Terminix WayWhat to expect
Prepare for peace of mind with our expert-guided video showcasing what to expect during a termite inspection from a Terminix technician.
While we recommend an in-person inspection to fully evaluate your home's termite risk, based on your responses here, Terminix® has the following recommendation*:
24/7 Support
Phone, email & chat support
Free inspections
No money upfront
365 coverage
365 days a year coverage
Schedule online
Schedule everything online
Yes, with the Terminix It Guarantee, you can rest easy knowing that we'll nix your termite problem and keep it nixed. If termites return or new signs of activity appear, we'll be back to take care of it—at no additional cost to you.1
For even greater peace of mind, our Terminix It & Fix It Guarantee goes a step further. Not only will we eliminate termites and prevent their return, but we'll also repair any new termite damage—up to $250,000—as long as you maintain your plan. With Terminix, you're protected from both termites and costly repairs, giving you total confidence in your home's defense.2
A termite inspection is recommended in several situations. It's often required when buying or selling a home, as lenders and insurance companies may request proof of a recent inspection. Even if you're not in the process of buying or selling, it's a good decision to get an inspection if you notice signs of termites, such as mud tubes, hollow-sounding wood, or frass. Regular inspections—typically once a year—can help catch an infestation early before it causes significant damage.
The cost of termite treatment depends on factors like infestation severity, termite type, and whether you need treatment, prevention, or ongoing protection. At Terminix, we offer flexible payment options to help make termite protection more affordable. You can choose monthly or annual payment plans, and for larger treatments, financing options may be available to fit your budget. Our expert termite exterminators customize solutions to fit your home and budget.
While DIY termite treatments are available, they are generally not effective. Termites are persistent and can be challenging to eliminate without professional help. A professional termite exterminator can assess the extent of the infestation and provide a more thorough and long-lasting solution.
Termites can cause significant damage to your home before you even notice their presence. Taking proactive steps to prevent infestations and recognizing the early warning signs can help minimize costly repairs. Here are a few basic preventive measures and early detection tips:
