Most homeowners know about the destructive power of termites, but many don’t realize how these industrious pests actually spread from one location to another. While bed bugs may get the spotlight for their notorious traveling abilities, termites are equally adept at expanding their territory through various methods.
The underground highway: How termites travel.
Unlike many pests that scatter when disturbed, termites are methodical travelers with several ways to invade new territory:
- Mud tube expressways: These pencil-width tunnels serve as protected pathways that shield termites from predators and maintain the humidity they need to survive. When you spot these mud highways on your foundation or walls, it’s a clear sign termites are actively commuting to and from your home.
- Subterranean networks: Don’t be fooled by what you can’t see. Termites excel at tunneling through soil, creating extensive underground networks that can stretch for surprising distances. These silent invaders can travel upward through buildings as high as 26 floors, meaning even high-rise apartments aren’t immune to infestation.
- Wood-to-wood connections: When wooden structures touch, termites see an open invitation. From deck posts touching your house to stacked firewood leaning against your exterior wall, these connections create convenient bridges for colony expansion.
- Tiny entry points: These pests don’t need a welcome mat—just a tiny opening. Cracks as small as 1/32 of an inch provide all the space termites need to slip into your home and begin their damage.
- Cellulose attractions: Like moths to a flame, termites are drawn to cellulose-rich materials. Decaying wood, mulch beds near your foundation, and even cardboard boxes in your basement can become termite magnets.
The neighbor problem: Why nearby infestations matter.
When termites establish themselves in your neighborhood, your home automatically faces increased risk. These persistent pests don’t recognize property lines—their underground tunnels can easily cross from one yard to another, turning one home’s problem into a community concern.
Research shows termite colonies can spread laterally through soil at rates that might surprise you. A mature colony doesn’t just stay put; it actively seeks new food sources and can send foragers considerable distances from the original nest.
Taking action: Preventing termite spread.
The most effective strategy against traveling termites is proactive prevention:
- Create a termite barrier: Professional treatment can establish a protective zone around your home that intercepts termites before they make contact with your structure.
- Eliminate wood-to-soil contact: Keep wooden elements of your home from touching the ground directly, using concrete bases or metal barriers instead.
- Reduce moisture: Fix leaky pipes, improve drainage and reduce humidity in crawl spaces to make your home less appealing to moisture-loving termites.
- Schedule regular inspections: Annual professional termite inspections can catch early signs of activity before significant damage occurs.
- Be a good neighbor: If you know nearby properties have termite issues, it’s not just neighborly but practical to take preventive measures on your own property.
The bottom line: Early intervention saves homes.
When it comes to termites, the old saying rings true: an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The cost of preventive treatment is minimal compared to the extensive damage termites can cause once they’ve established themselves in your home.
Don’t wait until you see obvious signs of infestation. By then, termites may have already been silently damaging your home for months or even years. Take control today with professional termite prevention.
Before termites show up, Terminix It™. Contact us today for a free termite inspection at 800-BUGS-911 (or text 800-284-7911) or fill out our quick contact form to schedule online.