I'm thinking wood rot from moisture as the brick threshold and roof runoff funnel water towards that area.

Looks like rot, but hard to tell in pics. Are there any little mud tunnels from the ground into the house on the underpinning?

Looks like wood rot to me. I don't see any termite droppings in your pics so that makes me think it is even more likely just rot.

Check the basement sills for signs of termites.

Bill, I see a row of soldier bricks acting as a dam and causing the problem. I would create a cricket/shroud so water flows to the ground. As far as tear out goes, I try to always do as little surgery as possible to correct the problem. Looks like the nails for the siding and cornerboards are holding to firm lumber.

Got the bug guys out today. He said it looked like wood rot, but the wood was so far gone - if there had been termites he couldn't see them now.

I would agree with the wood rot.

Yeah, looks like just wood rot.

I would probably remove and replace the damaged section of the lumber and reinforce the butt joint. IE cut away the damaged portion plus a few inches and splice in new material, caulk any exterior joint. Also bottom picture indicates lower siding board might have some damage along bottom that should be addressed. Hard to tell because the dirt on siding seems to be brushed away from area.

No, I didn't see any mud tunnels or signs of insects. So what is the remedy besides the obvious - put up some flashing and gutters to channel water away? Can I simply brace the rotted 2x4s from the back or sides with additional lumber then resheathe and reside? Or do I need to totally remove all rotted pieces from the substructure?

Can you see these pics? Is it Termites or Wood Rot?Can you see these pics? Is it Termites or Wood Rot?

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Can you see these pics? Is it Termites or Wood Rot?

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