You’ve probably heard about termite pest control before, but you may not know why these little critters are so hard to get rid of.

Termites are wood-eating insects that can be found in soil near homes and in wood structures like homes. They live in mud tubes on walls or foundation, which can make it difficult for homeowners to identify an infestation.

Termites eat through wood and transform the cellulose molecules into sugar, which they then absorb and use as food. This causes damage to homes because they cause cracks in walls, floors and ceilings; they also damage electrical wiring by eating insulation wires and compromising the building structure.