Although termites are only one centimeter long, their eating habits can cause very costly damage to properties as they are able to ruin the foundations and facade of a home in just a couple of years. You may not notice the destructive work of termites during the first 5 years of infestation, and then it could be too late. Home bases, furniture, shelves, books, carpets, and insulation materials are all possible sources of food for termites.