Scientists at North Carolina State University estimate it typically takes three to eight years for termites to cause appreciable damage. Termites don't only destroy wood, they can also destroy cloth, carpet and paper.

While home insurance won't typically cover damage from termites or other pests — like rodents —there are measures you can take to help prevent infestations in the first place.

To help prevent termite damage to your house, the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends:

Avoiding moisture accumulation by diverting water away from your home's foundation (make sure you have properly functioning gutters, downspouts and splash blocks)
Regularly checking for changes to all your wooden areas, like windows and doorframes
Inspecting the foundation of your home bubbling paint, or wood that sounds hollow when you tap it
Maintaining an 18-inch distance between the wood portions of your home and the soil (termites can still gain access by building so-called shelter tubes or chewing through non-wood materials, but barriers can be built to discourage them)