The answer to 'what causes termite' is termites are wood-eating insects that can cause significant damage to homes and other wooden structures. Termites feed on cellulose, the primary structural component of wood, and they live in colonies that can number in the hundreds of thousands.
The most common causes of termite infestations include moisture issues, wood-to-ground contact, and cracks or openings in the home's foundation or exterior that allow termites to enter. Termites are attracted to damp, decaying wood and can go undetected for years as they slowly eat away at the structural integrity of a building.