Signs of existing termite damage
Hollow-sounding wood, sagging floors or window frames, and visible tunneling are the most common signs that damage has already occurred. In most cases, termite damage is repairable — ranging from cosmetic wood replacement to more involved structural framing repair for severe cases — but the extent and cost depend on how long the damage went undetected.
Treat first, repair second
Repairing damage without eliminating the active colony first only invites new damage into the same repaired area. Repair typically involves assessing structural versus cosmetic damage, replacing or reinforcing affected framing, sistering joists, and sill-plate or foundation-adjacent framing repair — always coordinated with treatment, not instead of it.
Insurance usually won’t cover it
Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically exclude termite damage because it’s classified as a preventable maintenance issue rather than a sudden, accidental event. This is exactly why routine inspection matters — catching termite activity early avoids costly repair bills that insurance won’t cover.