Although damage by termites is a serious problem it is not a sudden onslaught that will cause a building to collapse in a few days. Generally, termite problems occur some years after construction. The risk of infestations can be reduced by avoiding certain faults or errors in construction, site grading and maintenance, or controlled through the application of insecticides.
Termites feed upon wood, including structural wood especially that which is in contact with soil.
In addition they can also feed on old roots, stumps of trees, fallen tree limbs and branches on the ground, and similar materials. Termites have also been known to attack swimming pool liners and PVC pipes. They are beneficial when they aid in reduction of wood and similar cellulose products into compounds that can be used again by other living organisms. Occasionally termites attack living plants, including the roots of shrubs and trees. In buildings, in addition to structural wood, termites feed on cellulose materials such as wood fixtures, paper, books, cotton, and related products.