Water Damage vs Termite Damage (See The Difference in Pictures!)

This article contains pictures of water damage vs termite damage, as well as all the signs and information you need to understand the difference.

Why is this important? Both types of damage can cost you thousands of dollars in restoration expenses. Knowing which type of damage you have means getting the right people on the job quickly, thus preventing further costs and damages.

I’m going to tell you what to look for and even show you pictures of water damage vs termite damage so you can see for yourself.

Can Water Damage Look Like Termite Damage?

Termite damage gives a distinct appearance. Termite and water damage can both cause paint to bubble and peel away from the wood. There’s a strong likelihood you have termites if you detect mud tubes or galleries within the wood.

Termites build high-moisture nests which can be an indicator of termite damage. These are frequently confused with signs of water damage.

Because the treatment and repairs for water and termite damage are so vastly different, a qualified termite inspector can assist you in determining whether the wood damage was caused by termites or water.

One key difference between the two is that water damage can result in square-shaped “cells” in the wood, whereas termite infestation can result in hollowed-out sections of wavy wood.

Does Water Damage Cause Termites?

Water damage can attract termites. Termites like to live on water-damaged wood because they require moisture. They usually live underground in a cool, damp environment, so wood is an excellent substitute. But this could cause big problems for you. 

Termites are the silent destroyers of homes, eating wooden structures from the inside out. Because they are so quiet, most homeowners are unaware that termites are there until the house has tens of thousands of dollars of damage.

As a result, if you encounter floods, make sure that any damp wood in your home is well dried off. This will limit the risk of termites entering your home.

The Difference Between Water & Termite Damage

The lighter-colored rings in a tree’s cross-section are springwood, whereas the darker-colored rings are summerwood. Underground termites will eat the softer springwood but leave the harder summerwood.

Summerwood will have a honeycomb appearance in its cross-section after the springwood has been eaten by these underground (or subterranean termites). After the springwood has been consumed, summerwood resembles thick sheets of paper.

Drywood termites eat along and across the grain of the wood. They dig vast galleries for their nests, which they connect with tunnels. Drywood termites often do not degrade wood as much, or as quickly, as subterranean termites due to their smaller colony size.

Some termite species, such as damp wood termites, will only eat wood that has been damaged by water. In this situation, you’ll need to deal with both the water and the termite infestation at the same time before repairing the damage.

Water damage to wood often results in square-shaped “cells.” The cube-shaped square cells in this pattern are referred to as “cubicle rot.” Because the square-shaped cells resemble an alligator’s back, it’s also known as “alligatoring.” The increased water content causes the wood to expand and crack, resulting in these square-shaped cells.

Signs of Wood Rot from Water Damage

Moisture, flooding, or an ongoing leak are all causes of wood rotting in your home. This causes two kinds of damage: dry rot and wet rot. Here are the signs:

• Fungus growing on the wood
• When dry, it crumbles or cracks when you touch it
• When wet, it is spongy
• The color of the wood is slightly yellow
• It breaks into cube- or square-like patterns
• The affected wood is darker than other areas, or has a yellow hue
• The wood has a musty odor

Signs of Damage from Termites

• You can see tunnels inside the wood
• The wood looks wavy
• There are many small holes in the wood
• The wood sounds hollow
• Loose tiles or floorboards that squeak
• Discolored walls

Pictures of Water Damage vs Termite Damage

Take a closer look at these photo galleries below to see the differences between water-damaged wood and termite destruction. Notice that the termites leave behind patterns of destruction, from tubes to cells to pinholes to tracks.

Pictures of Termite Damage

Pictures of Water Damage to Wood

Final Thoughts

If you’re unfortunate enough to see damaged wood in your home, at least now you can determine quickly what the problem is. In either case, call in a professional immediately. A plumber can help with the water damage by fixing the cause of most water leaks. An extermination professional can help if the cause is termites.

Related Resources

• Does water damage decrease home value?
• The 3 types of water damage
• Does homeowner’s insurance cover water damage?
• Signs of water damage in walls
• Prevent water damage to your home
• How to deal with minor water damage
• Mold in basement: 4 areas to inspect
• How to fix minor water damage on baseboards
• Foundation water damages: signs, causes, prevention
• Toilet failure is a leading cause of water damage
• Common causes of water damage in the home
• Water Damage Page

Call 1-Tom-Plumber

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help inspecting your home for water damage.

1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.