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Termites in New Jersey: Damage, Warning Signs & Protection

What Are Termites?

Termites are wood-destroying insects belonging to the order Isoptera. Often called “silent destroyers,” they feed on cellulose, the main component of wood and other plant materials. Termites cause billions of dollars in property damage every year, often without homeowners realizing it until the infestation is severe. In New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, the most common species are subterranean termites.

Are Termites Harmful?​

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  • Because termites cause significant damage, professional treatment is essential.

  • Inspection: Licensed experts identify termite activity, mud tubes, and wood damage.

  • Liquid Treatments: Create a treated barrier in the soil around a structure to block termites.

  • Baiting Systems: Install stations around the home that termites feed on and carry back to the colony, eliminating it at the source.

  • Wood Treatments: Apply borate or foaming products to protect vulnerable wood.

  • Ongoing Monitoring: Annual inspections and monitoring systems ensure long-term protection.

Termite Control​

Termite Control

  • Effective spider control requires a mix of exclusion, sanitation, and treatment.

  • Inspection: Identify spider hotspots such as basements, garages, or outdoor lighting areas that attract insects (their food source).

  • Sanitation: Regularly vacuum webs, egg sacs, and clutter.

  • Exclusion: Seal cracks, gaps, and install door sweeps to limit entry.

  • Pest Reduction: Reduce insects around the home since they are a spider’s main food source.

  • Professional Treatments: Targeted residual sprays and dusts provide long-term spider reduction indoors and outdoors.

Types of Termites in NJ​​

  • Eastern Subterranean Termites: The most widespread species, living in soil and building mud tubes into homes.

  • Drywood Termites (Rare): Found in some imported furniture or coastal areas.

  • Formosan Termites (Rare): Aggressive species occasionally found in the U.S. but not common in this region.

Termites Appearance​

  • Workers: Small, pale insects about ⅛ inch long, soft-bodied.

  • Soldiers: Larger, with strong jaws for defense.

  • Swarmers (Alates): Winged reproductive termites that emerge in spring to start new colonies.

  • Wings: Shed wings are often the first visible sign of an infestation indoors.

Termites Habitat​

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  • Outdoors: Soil, stumps, mulch beds, and woodpiles.

  • Indoors: Wooden beams, flooring, trim, and wall voids.

  • Moisture: Termites are strongly attracted to damp, humid environments.

Termites Diet​

  • Cellulose-Based Materials: Wood, paper, cardboard, insulation, and books.

  • Moisture-Damaged Wood: Particularly vulnerable to infestations.

Termites Life Cycle​

  • Eggs: Laid deep in the colony.

  • Nymphs: Develop into workers, soldiers, or reproductives depending on colony needs.

  • Workers: Maintain colony, feed others, and cause damage to structures.

  • Swarmers: Winged adults emerge to reproduce and start new colonies.

  • Colonies grow rapidly, often reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions of termites.

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