Content updated: February 3rd, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • Signs of termites in the foundation include mud tubes, hollow or damaged wood, swollen or uneven floors and ceilings, cracks in walls, termite droppings, and discarded wings.
  • Termites eat cellulose fibers found in wood and plant matter. Termites do not eat concrete but they can tunnel past through cracks in concrete foundation and infest the wood framing behind it.
  • Conditions that attract termites to foundations include moisture, wood debris, soil contact with wood, and cracks in foundations.
  • Prevent termites by keeping wood debris away from your home, ensuring proper drainage away from the foundation, sealing cracks in the foundation, and keeping your home well ventilated and dry.
  • DIY termite treatment can make the infestation around your foundation worse. Protect your home from termites by calling in termite control experts.

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Most building foundations are made out of concrete, but behind that concrete is the wood frame, insulation and drywall, which is a termite colony’s preferred diet. Termites that tunnel around foundations are looking for a way to get inside and infest the walls of your home.

Termites can weaken the structural integrity of your home and, if left untreated, can cause severe damage that requires expensive repairs. That's why it's important to identify the signs of termite structural damage and seek treatment methods early on to help save you significant time and money. 

Termite damage to wooden post

Signs of a termite infestation around foundations

Termites around the foundation of your home can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. These tiny insects can cause significant damage to the foundation of your home, leaving it unstable and unsafe. It is critical to spot the signs of termite damage as early as possible to prevent further damage. Here are some common signs of termite damage that you should be aware of:

If you think you may have termites around the foundation of your home, it’s best to contact a pest control professional immediately before the problem worsens.

Can termites eat and damage concrete or brick?

Although termites do not consume concrete or brick, they can gain access to the wooden substructure of a building via tiny cracks in the foundation or tunneling over it. Termites can access gaps narrower than 1/32 of an inch wide.

A brick house doesn't mean you're free from termites. Check along the exposed slab foundation wall below the brick or siding. Termites can travel behind the brick veneer, so you may never see them; because the structure of your brick house is made of wood, termites can still damage the framing timbers.

How to help prevent termites

Termites under foundations can be attracted to various conditions, including moisture, wood debris, soil contact with wood, and cracks in foundations. If you’re worried about termite structural damage, here are some steps you can take to help prevent termites:

  • Keep wood debris away from the foundation of your home

  • Ensure proper drainage away from the foundation

  • Seal any cracks, gaps, or potential entry points in the foundation

  • Keep your home well-ventilated and dry

  • Use treated wood for any construction or landscaping projects

  • Regularly inspect your home for signs of termite damage

  • Consider a professional termite inspection and treatment plan for added protection

By taking these preventative measures, you can help protect your home and foundation from termite damage and potentially costly repairs.

How to treat termite damage around the foundation of a home

Subterranean termites often access a home through its foundation. While plenty of DIY methods are available, they fall short when addressing termites around your foundation. A trained termite control specialist can recommend the most effective treatment methods needed for your specific situation.

Do not disturb the termites by spraying them with an insecticide — that's a job for a professional. If you disturb them, the termites will likely move, making it more difficult for pest removal experts to evaluate the infestation when they arrive.

It’s always best to hire a termite control professional if you are struggling with termite problems. At Terminix, our technicians have the tools – such as bait, liquid and drywood solutions – and expertise to help eliminate termite colonies and protect your home from future termite damage. Contact us to schedule a free inspection today!

Termite damage