How Do Termites Spread?
Posted on: 24 August 2021
Termites are determined insects that can find their way into your home. Once there, they can break down your home's wood and eventually cause major structural damage. Termites spread into your home in a variety of ways. One is that your home may have several attractants that make the property a target for an infestation. Continue reading to learn more about what attracts termites to your home and how they spread to a new home.
What Attracts Termites to Homes?
Termites look for two things: moisture and food (soft, rotting wood). One common attractant is exposed wood that gets wet. Moist soil also attracts subterranean termites. If you have both located on or next to your home, then these pests are more likely to expand the colony into your home's walls and basement. Keep things like wood piles covered and far away from your home.
How Do Termites Travel to a New Home?
Termites expand their territory in two different ways. The first way is the one most people see. Males and females often swarm in search of a new colony site. You may find these winged termites inside your home, especially around windows and sinks. They look similar to flying ants. Once they mate, the female drops down to the ground and starts a colony.
The second way they travel to a new home is through mud tubes from an existing colony. Subterranean termites are most likely to use this method. Their colonies can get very large and spread out using a network of tubes. These tubes are often visible, especially around moist, rotted wood. They can also make tubes that extend up or down walls.
Can a Neighbouring Home Infest Another Home?
You may have concerns if your neighbours home has a termite problem. Generally, termites don't spread from home to home that easily. Likewise, modern pest control treatments typically don't drive termites to new locations. However, it wouldn't hurt to have your home examined after their home is treated. If your home is close enough, you could already have a shared colony.
Termites can be hard to battle. What makes it worse is that some termite types, like drywood termites, can remain hidden in your home for a long time. They live inside the wood and don't make tunnels. You may not know they are there until you see subtle infestation signs. Therefore, you must take added precautions to keep them getting into your home.
If you are a homeowner and you think you might have termites, contact a pest control company for an evaluation. They can also give you a risk assessment and advice on preventing termites. A termite and overall pest inspection can save you time and money in the long run. Contact a termite extermination company to learn more.
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