Termites are social insects that consume cellulose, primarily found in wood. Unlike diseases, they do not spread contagiously. Their spread mechanisms are entirely biological and environmental, and understanding how these wood-destroying organisms expand their colonies is important for property owners.
Understanding Termite Spread
Termites primarily spread and establish new colonies through swarming. Winged reproductive termites, known as alates, emerge from mature colonies. These alates, typically appearing during warm, humid conditions, fly out to find mates and suitable locations to begin new nests. After mating, they shed their wings and seek a moist environment with a wood source to establish a new colony.
Subterranean termites commonly spread by tunneling through soil. They construct mud tubes, which are protective pathways made from soil, wood particles, and saliva. These tubes shield termites from dry air and predators, allowing them to travel from their underground colonies into structures to access food sources. Subterranean termites can create extensive underground networks, sometimes foraging hundreds of feet to find new wood. They can also build these mud tubes along foundations and walls to enter homes.
Termites also spread through direct wood-to-wood contact between structures or infested items. This occurs when they move from one wooden element, such as a deck, fence, or a stack of firewood, into a connected structure. Infested furniture or other wooden materials brought into a new location can also introduce termites. Termites can exploit openings as small as 1/32 of an inch to enter a home.
Implications for Homeowners
While termites do not transmit illness, their natural spread mechanisms carry important implications for homeowners. If a neighboring property has an active termite infestation, your home faces an increased risk. This risk is due to swarming alates flying to your property or subterranean termites tunneling across property lines. An infestation reflects a structure’s vulnerability to termite entry and the presence of a nearby colony.
Termites are drawn to wood and moisture, making homes with conducive conditions more susceptible. Understanding how termites spread highlights the importance of vigilance regarding your property’s surroundings. Proximity to an existing colony, whether in a neighbor’s yard, a nearby tree, or a woodpile, can increase the likelihood of termites establishing themselves in your home.