Both termites and wood borers can cause terrible damage to structural timber or wooden furniture in your home, but they are actually very different.
Most termites actually spend their time underground, and some even build their nest’s below ground. But they need to come to the surface for food, so they build tunnels out of mud to navigate their way above ground. This mud tubing is the first sign that you have a termite issue. What is their food? It could be your favourite wooden chair! So keep an eye out for these mud tubes around the house, inside and out. And look out for small white critters that look much like ants.
Borers on the other hand are actually beetle larvae! The beetles lay their eggs in the wood and the larvae feeds off the wood until it is ready to hatch. Some of these beetles can take years to hatch, so they can be used in timber and only emerge and cause damage years later!
If you notice these signs, or to check for the possibility of wood borer, it would definitely be a good idea to call in an inspector to confirm your termite issue and to offer suggestions.