Survival is usually about protecting yourself from the environment, but for Andrew Shayde, the environment decided to eat his protection. Naked and Afraid contestant, Andrew Shayde, discovered during his challenge in South America that the most relentless enemy can be an army of tiny architects.1 And they don't want to bite you; they want to take your house apart piece by piece.

In this Shayde Survival Story, we’re looking at an opponent that literally works while you sleep: leafcutter ants. While these specific ants aren't a threat to most U.S. homeowners, their destructive habits are a haunting reminder of the "silent destroyers" we face right here at home: termites.

The night Shayde’s roof walked away

During a challenge on the TV series Naked and Afraid, Andrew Shayde encountered a tiny force of nature that was both disciplined and destructive. “Leafcutter ants look so cool marching in formation until they’ve decided you have something they want,” Shayde shared. “In my case, it was my shelter. At night, my banana leaf bedding and roof were swarmed by hundreds of thousands of them. They would disassemble my temporary home right from under me. This particular ant even made noise, like the squeaking of a mouse, that still haunts my dreams!”

For Shayde, survival wasn't just about finding food; it was about trying to maintain a shelter that was being eaten overnight. One day, you have a roof, and the next, you’re staring at the stars because a tiny, pesky army decided your home was their next meal.

Why termites are the leafcutters of the suburbs

While you won't find leafcutter ants in every state, homeowners face a similar invisible opponent: termites. Much like the leafcutter ants that haunted Shayde's dreams, termites are more common masters of disassembly in the U.S. Here’s why:

  • Silent destruction: Just as the leafcutter ants worked quietly at night to take apart Shayde’s shelter, termites can feed on the wooden structures of your home for years without being detected.
  • Massive numbers: Shayde faced "hundreds of thousands" of ants; a single termite colony can contain up to millions of individuals working 24/7.
  • Structural impact: Leafcutter ants took Andrew's roof; termites can target the foundation, support beams, and wall studs that keep your home standing.

How to spot termites early

In the wild, a destroyed shelter is a survival crisis. At home, it can be a massive financial hit. You can help protect your home by thinking like a survivalist and staying alert to these signs of termites:

  • Mud tubes: Termites build small, pencil-sized tunnels made of mud to travel safely from the soil to your home's wood.
  • Discarded wings: After a termite swarm, termites leave behind piles of wings near windowsills or doors.
  • Hollow-sounding wood: If you tap a wooden beam and it sounds thin or papery, the inside may already have been disassembled.
  • Tight-fitting doors: As termites eat through wood, the structural shifts can cause doors and windows to stick or become difficult to open.

Termites don’t wait, and neither should you. If you notice any of these signs in your home, contact a termite professional as soon as possible.

Help stop termites before they strike

In the jungle, Shayde had to be reactive because he didn’t realize the threat was there until his roof was literally walking away. However, at home, you have the advantage of being proactive.

Survival is about the defenses you build before the threat arrives. To help protect your home from becoming a termite's next meal, follow these simple termite prevention steps:

  • Reduce moisture around your home by fixing leaks, cleaning gutters, and ensuring proper drainage.
  • Keep wood away from soil, including firewood, mulch, and wooden structures touching the ground.
  • Seal cracks and gaps in your foundation, siding, and around utility entry points.
  • Maintain proper ventilation in crawl spaces and attics to prevent damp conditions.
  • Schedule regular termite inspections to help catch activity early.

Shayde woke up to find his shelter was gone, but at home, you don't have to wait to take action. Schedule a termite inspection today to start protecting your home.

Takedown termites with Terminix

When it comes to your home’s structural integrity, you shouldn’t have to rely on DIY survival tactics. Our Terminix technicians are highly trained experts who understand termite biology, habits, and the damage they can cause. Using advanced technology, we don't just address the termites you see; we target the entire colony at the source.

Choosing Terminix means choosing peace of mind for your biggest investment. We back our work with the Terminix It & Fix IT Guarantee: if termites come back, so do we—at no additional cost. We'll even fix any new termite damage up to $250,000. So you know your home and peace of mind are always protected.2 Start protecting your home with Terminix Termite Control today!

Andrew Shayde survived the world's most extreme environments, but he knows your home shouldn't be one of them—Terminix It.

1This is not an endorsement. Terminix is not affiliated with Naked & Afraid.

2THE TERMINIX IT & FIX IT TERMITE GUARANTEE IS AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFYING HOMES ONLY.Termite species coverage dependent upon plan purchased. Not available in all areas. Covered Damages are limited to $250,000 in the aggregate throughout the life of the Plan, including any additional renewal term. Additional limitations apply. See Plan for details.