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Overview of Termites in Georgia

Termites in Georgia are a major threat to homes and businesses, responsible for millions of dollars in property damage each year. Because they often work undetected inside walls, floors, and foundations, infestations may not be discovered until significant structural damage has occurred.

Georgia’s warm, humid climate provides ideal conditions for termites to thrive. Professional inspections and preventative treatment are essential to protect your property and avoid costly repairs.

For more pest information, visit our full Pest Library.

Common Termites in Georgia

Two termite species are most common in Georgia: Eastern Subterranean termites and Formosan termites.

Eastern Subterranean Termite:

  • Small, cream-colored workers and darker winged swarmers
  • Build mud tubes along walls and foundations
  • The most common termite species in the state

Formosan Termite:

  • Larger, highly destructive subterranean termites
  • Swarm in large numbers
  • Cause extensive damage faster than Eastern Subterranean termites

Signs of a Termite Infestation:

  • Mud tubes on foundation walls or in crawlspaces
  • Swarmers (winged termites) near windows or doors
  • Discarded wings
  • Wood that sounds hollow or is blistered
  • Doors or windows that suddenly stick due to warping

Like silverfish in Georgia, termites often remain hidden in walls, flooring, or crawlspaces, causing damage long before they’re detected.

Problems Caused by Termites in Georgia

Termites pose a serious financial risk. They can go undetected for years, quietly weakening structural components and reducing property value.

Common issues include:

  • Structural damage to beams, joists, and framing
  • Costly repairs, often totaling $3,000–$5,000 or more
  • Compromised safety of floors, walls, and supports
  • Damage not covered by most homeowner insurance policies
Termites in Georgia
Termites in Georgia

Where You’ll Find Them

Termites are most often found in areas with moisture and wood contact:

  • Along home foundations
  • In basements and crawlspaces
  • Behind walls and inside wood structures
  • Around leaky pipes, vents, and poorly ventilated areas
  • In mulch beds, wood piles, and tree stumps

Their activity often remains hidden until damage becomes severe, which is why inspections are so important.

Life Cycle of Termites

The termite life cycle includes four main stages: egg, nymph, worker/soldier, and reproductive (king and queen).

  • Queens can live over a decade and lay thousands of eggs
  • Winged swarmers emerge in warm, humid conditions to start new colonies
  • A mature colony can number in the hundreds of thousands

In Georgia’s favorable conditions, colonies grow quickly and can persist year-round.

Termites in Georgia

Why Termites Are a Problem in Georgia

Georgia is one of the highest-risk states for termites due to its heat, humidity, and wood-rich environments.

Formosan termites, in particular, are spreading across southern parts of the state and are far more aggressive than traditional species. Without proactive protection, homes can be reinfested year after year.

Termite Prevention Tips for Georgia Homes

To help prevent termites:

  • Keep soil, mulch, and wood at least 18 inches from your foundation
  • Avoid wood-to-ground contact on decks and siding
  • Repair leaky pipes and remove standing water
  • Improve ventilation in crawlspaces
  • Install vapor barriers where needed
  • Schedule annual inspections with a pest professional

Preventive measures are far more affordable than structural repairs.

Termites in Georgia

Professional Termite Control in Georgia

Arete Pest Control provides expert termite control in Georgia. Our technicians are trained to identify and eliminate infestations while offering long-term protection against reinfestation.

Our termite services include:

  • Complete property inspections
  • Liquid barrier treatments
  • Termite baiting systems
  • Ongoing monitoring and prevention plans

Contact Arete Pest Control today to schedule your inspection and protect your home from costly termite damage. Learn more about pests in our Pest Library.

Frequently Asked Questions

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