Termites

What Northeast Ohio Homeowners Should Know About Termites 

Unlike many household pests, termites work almost entirely out of sight. For homeowners in Northeast Ohio, understanding early termite warning signs can make a major difference in protecting their homes from long-term damage.

This guide will identify termites, help property owners understand why they appear, and explain when professional termite control is necessary.

Quick Termite Identification

Not sure what you’re dealing with? Termites have several distinct characteristics:

• Size: Small, usually ⅛–¼ inch long
• Color: Pale, creamy white to light brown
• Body Shape: Straight, uniform body with no narrow waist
• Wings: Winged termites (swarmers) have two pairs of equal-length wings

Because termites are rarely seen out in the open, signs of activity are often more noticeable than the insects themselves.

What Are Termites?

Termites are wood-destroying insects that feed on cellulose found in wood and wood-based materials. In Northeast Ohio, the most common species affecting homes is the Eastern subterranean termite, which lives underground and builds hidden tunnels to reach food sources.

These termites rely on moisture and typically enter homes through soil, foundation cracks, or wood in contact with the ground.

Termites vs. Ants

Termites are sometimes called “white ants,” but they are a completely different type of pest. 

Key differences include:

• Termites have straight antennae and a thick, uniform body
• Ants have bent antennae and a narrow, pinched waist
• Termites feed on wood and cause hidden structural damage, while ants do not consume wood

Because termites cause damage in a very different way, proper identification is critical before any treatment begins.

Why Termites Are Common in Northeast Ohio Homes

Several factors make homes in Akron, Cleveland, and the surrounding areas attractive to termites:

• Moist soil from rain, snow, and seasonal humidity
• Older foundations with small cracks or gaps
• Wood-to-soil contact around decks, porches, or siding
• Poor drainage near the home
• Firewood or wood debris stored near the foundation

Termites are drawn to moisture and wood, not unclean conditions.

Signs of a Termite Infestation

Common warning signs include:

• Mud tubes along foundations or walls
• Discarded wings near windows or doors
• Hollow-sounding wood
• Bubbling or peeling paint
• Sagging floors or doors that stick

These signs usually indicate active or past termite activity and should be evaluated promptly.

Where Homeowners Usually Find Termite Activity

Because termites stay hidden, homeowners often notice signs rather than live insects.

Common areas include:

• Basements and crawl spaces
• Foundation walls
• Wooden beams, floor joists, and sill plates
• Near plumbing penetrations
• Around decks, porches, and wood framing close to the soil

Are Termites a Serious Problem?

Yes, termites can cause significant structural damage over time if left untreated. Because they work silently inside wood, damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes more extensive.

Early detection and professional treatment are key to limiting long-term repair costs and protecting the home's structure.

Termite Prevention Tips for Homeowners

While professional treatment is essential for active infestations, homeowners can reduce risk by:

• Improving drainage around the foundation
• Fixing leaks and moisture issues
• Avoiding wood-to-soil contact
• Storing firewood away from the home
• Keeping mulch levels low near siding

Reducing moisture is one of the most effective preventive steps.

When Professional Termite Control Is Needed

Professional termite control is recommended when:

• Termite activity or damage is suspected
• Mud tubes or discarded wings are found
• Structural wood shows signs of damage
• A home has a history of termite issues

Because termites often remain hidden, many homeowners choose to have professional termite protection in place before activity is discovered. Termite control involves specialized inspections and treatments designed to eliminate colonies and provide long-term protection. DIY solutions are ineffective against termites and may allow damage to continue unnoticed.

Termite Control in Akron, Cleveland & Northeast Ohio

Epcon Lane helps homeowners across Northeast Ohio identify termite activity and protect their homes from long-term damage. Our termite control services include:

• A thorough termite inspection
• Installation of the Trelona® termite baiting system
• An annual termite inspection

If you’re concerned about termites in or around your home, a professional inspection can provide clarity and peace of mind.

Schedule a termite inspection and safeguard your property!

Termite FAQs 

Does homeowners' insurance cover termite damage in Ohio?

In most cases, homeowners' insurance does not cover termite damage. Termites are typically considered a preventable maintenance issue rather than a sudden or accidental event. Because damage often occurs gradually and out of sight, it’s usually excluded from standard policies in Ohio.

This is one reason routine inspections and early detection are so important for protecting a home from costly repairs.

What time of year are termites most active?

Termites are active year-round in Ohio. While spring swarming makes them easier to notice, termites remain active below ground outdoors, and any termites already inside a home continue feeding and causing damage throughout every season.

How long do termite swarms last?

Termite swarms are typically brief. The winged reproductive termites (alates) often emerge and fly around for a short period—commonly around 30–40 minutes, with many individuals in and out of the air in just a few short minutes.