Yes they can cause damage - This article is good - Get the facts, get at least 3-4 inspections ask questions and get referrals. Go to http://www.termite-insects.com - links are for educational purposes; it is better to tent with Vikane or use heat if needed and for subbteranean termites use Termidor. Be sure to get inspections and wait for the reports they should all be similiar. Also try http://www.pcoc.org consumer information.
The Termite Guru "sm"