What would you do when you find out that your house is slowly becoming someone else’s lunch, and the worst part – you failed to pick up on it? Every year, nearly 600,000 U.S. homes are silently ravaged by termites.

Knowing certain facts about termites and identifying the damage signs can help catch the infestation at the earliest. But you should not stop with treating the termites. Regular termite inspections, along with employing comprehensive termite prevention plans, will ensure that the little terrors stay away from your home.

Now, if you are curious, here are some mind-blowing facts and stats about termites that will make you check your crawlspace tonight. 

Masters of Stealth

• Usually, by the time termite damage is noticed by the homeowner, the termite colony would have been active for five to seven years, slowly munching on the wood from the inside out. 
• Most termite species can consume about 2-3% of their total body weight each day.
• A termite queen may live up to 30 years and produce 10,000 eggs per year, which roughly accounts for four eggs per minute. 
• A termite colony can house millions of termites, and it would take years for you to notice. 

Termites and the Types

There are about 2750 species of termites, but only 10% of them are known to cause costly damage. Below, we’ll discuss the most common species of termites that affect U.S. homes.

Formosan Termites

• Known as the super-termites, they can build 300-foot-long underground nests. 
• There might be millions of termites in a single colony.
• In New Orleans, Formosan termite swarms are so large and dense that they are picked up by weather radars during swarming seasons. 
• A Formosan termite colony can structurally compromise your house in 3-6 months, given ideal conditions are present. 

Subterranean Termites 

• These are the most prevalent species in North America. 
• They can form colonies with 20,000 to 5 million workers.
• These termites are found in all U.S. states except Alaska. 

Drywood Termites

• They live inside the wood and eat it inside out. 
• They allow a thin veneer of wood to remain on the outer side, and hence, the damage isn’t visible until it’s too late.

Also Read: What are the different termite species prevalent in the USA?

Where You Live Matters

• Termites prefer warm and humid climates. All the top 10 affected U.S. cities are in the Sun Belt. 
• Florida loses $500 million in annual termite damage. 

The Cost Factor 

Let’s translate termite damage into dollars. 

• Termites and other pests account for approximately $30 billion in damage and losses each year. This includes structural damage and crops. 
• Americans spend around $5 billion every year on termite damage repair. 
• Formosan termites are responsible for the $1 billion in damage repair, while the remaining is split between the other two species. 
• Homeowners spend an average of $3,000 to $3,300 per infestation. That’s if you are lucky – repair costs can soar up to $25,000 for foundation fixes. 
• Termite damage is usually not covered by standard homeowners insurance.

 The Bigger Picture

• Homes with termite history usually sell for 3-5 percent less in the housing market. 
• Re-infested homes can make you lose more money on termite damage repair. 
• Insurance premiums can climb due to termite infestation, and policies might even be denied. 

Instead of losing your savings to termite damage repair, make the smart choice of getting regular termite inspections done by professionals. Comprehensive termite prevention plans in the Bay Area cost much less than what you would spend on average termite damage repair. Also, many termite control companies offer affordable termite inspections that will keep your mind at peace about the safety of your home.

HiTech Termite Control 

Protect your home with our affordable termite inspection and treatment packages - the best in the Bay Area and trusted by homeowners across the region. Our licensed experts use cutting-edge solutions to detect and eliminate termite threats before they spread. Don’t wait for the damage — schedule your free inspection today! Click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of termites found in U.S. homes?

The most common termite species in the U.S. are Formosan, Subterranean, and Drywood termites. Each causes different types of damage and needs specific treatments.

How much does termite damage cost the average U.S. homeowner?

On average, homeowners spend $3,000–$3,300 per infestation. Severe cases involving structural damage can cost up to $25,000 in repairs.

Are termite treatments covered by homeowner's insurance?

No, most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover termite damage, as it's considered preventable with regular maintenance.

How quickly can termites destroy a home?

Under ideal conditions, aggressive species like Formosan termites can severely damage structural wood in as little as 3–6 months.

Why are termite inspections necessary even without visible damage?

Termites are stealthy. Inspections catch hidden infestations before visible signs appear, saving homeowners thousands in repair costs.

Which U.S. states are most affected by termite damage?

Southern states in the Sun Belt — including Florida, Texas, and California — experience the highest rates of termite infestations due to warm, humid climates.