Warning to anyone preparing to read this article during or before a meal: stop. Why? Because we're going to get into a discussion of a vile, pesky creature called the termite, which, despite its size, can wreak havoc on homes. Orkin Pest Control estimates that as many as 14 subterranean termite colonies exist per acre. That means that an average home could have as many as four termite colonies either directly under it or adjacent to it. Nauseous yet?

If not, consider that as many as 1 million termites are partying within each colony. Do the math, and you've got roughly 4 million termites underneath or around your home. Heck, it's a termite convention.

Termites used to be a regional problem. Now, however, they've taken up residence in nearly every state in the country. Central heating, now practically a standard feature in single-family homes, has made it easier than ever for termite populations to grow and prosper nearly anywhere in the United States.

It's amazing that such a tiny creature can cause such tremendous damage. As you're probably aware, termites feed off of wood. They're an equal-opportunity destroyer -- in other words, any kind of wood will do, whether it comes from the woods behind your home or the wood used in the construction of your home. The caliber of their damage can be right up there with floods and fires; yet, the vast majority of homeowner's insurance plans don't cover termite damage.

How do these pests gain entry to your home from their subterranean worlds? Through your foundation. Foundations most vulnerable to termite entry are basements and concrete slabs -- in other words, the foundations underneath most homes. The tiniest space -- Orkin estimates that a crack of 1/64 of an inch is enough -- provides plenty of room for termites to pass through your floor and into your home, where they multiply fast enough to put rabbits to shame. Unfortunately, once termites have gained entry into your home, they're insidious hunters of wood. They'll feast on anything from the siding to your floorboards and wallboards to decorative wood items.

You have to give them credit for their sneakiness. As if the above-described damage weren't enough, termites have a built-in insurance policy that makes it possible for other termites to perpetuate the damage to your home, creating a vicious circle. As they discover sources of food (wood) throughout your home, termites actually leave a trail of chemicals behind, which in essence, signals "straggler" termites of the presence of a food source ahead. The only thing that can stop them is sunlight and open air.

You can't always tell when your home has fallen victim to termite damage until the obvious signs are present (i.e., dead termites in your home). Unfortunately, once you start spotting dead termites in your home, your damage is probably quite substantial. It's best to get your home inspected occasionally by a professional who knows the subtle warning signs of infestation, and where to look for them. However, if you spot the following red flags anywhere in your home, chances are good you've got a problem.

• Sawdust-like "powder" near doors, windows and/or garage;
• Stray wings (sorry for the vivid imagery, folks) left near doors, windows and/or garage;
• Very small holes on any wood surfaces in or outside of your home;
• Paint that has started to buckle on wood surfaces;
• Tunnels of mud lining the foundation of your house, either inside or outside; and/or
• The obvious sign -- flying termites -- inside your house. They often gather near sources of light (ironic, since sunlight is their enemy ... they may be smart, but they're not geniuses).

If you spot any of these warning signs in your home, call a professional immediately. Addressing a termite problem isn't a "do-it-yourself" project; nor is it a particularly fun job. While a professional inspection and extermination can be expensive, it's a necessary evil. If it's any consolation, the costs of repairing extensive termite damage are far greater -- particularly when you're talking about foundation repair.

In an accompanying story, we'll discuss various ways that you can decrease the odds of termite infestation in your home.