Savannah has a long relationship with termites. Wood has been the building material of choice here for centuries, and the city's warm, wet climate lets termites stay active far longer than in most of the country. Walk through the Historic District in spring and it is not unusual to find a window sill scattered with delicate wings, a sign that a colony has swarmed nearby.
If you think you've seen evidence, call (844) 725-1661. We direct Savannah property owners to independent providers who hold the proper state licenses; PestMinistry does not inspect or treat.
The termites of the Georgia coast
- Eastern subterranean termites live in the soil, build mud tubes, and are the most widespread species.
- Formosan subterranean termites have been found in coastal Georgia. They form large colonies and can damage wood faster than native species, and swarms at dusk are often seen around lights.
- Drywood termites live inside dry wood with no soil contact, leaving tiny six-sided pellets, and appear in coastal buildings, attic timbers and furniture.
Correct identification matters because each requires a different plan.
Where Savannah properties are most exposed
Historic buildings often have wood framing set on brick piers or tabby and brick foundations, with ventilated crawlspaces that stay damp. Porches, balconies, shutters and window sills are common attack points. Newer homes on slab foundations have expansion joints and plumbing penetrations. Properties in low areas near the marsh or river see wet soil much of the year. Fallen oak limbs, old stumps and stacked firewood add more fuel, while the humid salt air accelerates wood decay that termites exploit.
Signs to check
- Mud tubes on pier foundations, walls or inside crawlspaces.
- Swarmers or shed wings near windows, doors and light fixtures.
- Tiny pellets that look like sand beneath wooden surfaces, pointing to drywood termites.
- Soft or hollow-sounding wood in floors, sills or trim.
- Paint that bubbles or cracks in lines that follow wood grain.
Treatment options
For subterranean species, providers use liquid soil treatments, bait systems or combined approaches, often adding wood treatments in infested areas. Formosan cases usually call for thorough, multi-point treatment and close follow-up. Drywood infestations may be handled with localized injections or, for widespread activity, whole-structure approaches such as fumigation. In Savannah's historic districts, providers work around preservation requirements and fragile original materials, so share your property's status upfront.
Reducing your risk
- Fix roof, gutter and window leaks promptly.
- Keep crawlspaces dry, ventilated and free of stored wood.
- Maintain a gap between soil, mulch and siding.
- Replace rotted trim rather than painting it over.
- Schedule inspections annually, or after any storm flooding.
Buying or renovating in Savannah
Savannah's real estate market includes many century-old homes, and a wood-destroying organism report is a routine part of purchases. If you plan to restore porches, replace sills or open historic plaster walls, schedule the inspection first so hidden damage can be addressed in the same project. Keep the report and any treatment records with the house file.
Savannah termite FAQ
When do termites swarm in Savannah?
Subterranean species usually swarm in spring, while Formosan swarms often occur on warm evenings in late spring and early summer.
Can termites damage a house that is only a few years old?
Yes. They live in the soil regardless of the home's age, and many new homes rely on pretreatments that wear down over time.
Does flooding from storms increase termite risk?
Wet soil and damaged materials can encourage termites, so inspect after significant flooding.
What is a termite bond?
It is a service agreement for periodic inspection and retreatment under defined terms. Read the details before you sign.