How Can Termites Spread? What Every Homeowner Should Know

Termites might be small, but the way they spread can lead to big trouble if you’re not paying attention. Knowing how termites travel and infest new areas can help you prevent serious damage to your home. Let’s break it down.

1. Through Swarming

One of the main ways termites spread is by swarming. This happens when a mature colony sends out winged termites—called swarmers or alates—to start new colonies. You’ll usually see this in spring or after rain, especially near windows or light sources. If you find discarded wings around your home, that’s a major red flag.

2. Via Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites build pencil-sized mud tubes to travel from the ground to the wood in your home. These tubes protect them from air and predators while keeping the environment moist. If your foundation has mud tubes along it, termites might already be inside.

3. From One Home to Another

If your neighbor has termites, your home could be next—especially if you live in a tightly packed neighborhood or share fences or landscaping. Termites don’t respect property lines.

4. Through Wood-to-Ground Contact

Wood piles, tree stumps, mulch, and wooden fences that touch the soil can invite termites right to your property. Once they’re there, it’s only a matter of time before they find their way inside.

5. By Hitching a Ride

Termites can also spread through infested furniture, wooden structures, or even construction materials brought onto your property. This is more common with drywood termites, which can live in wood without any soil contact.

Protect Your Home Before It’s Too Late

Once termites spread, they’re hard to stop without professional help. Regular inspections, moisture control, and avoiding wood-to-soil contact can help reduce your risk.

If you think termites are spreading near or into your home, don’t wait.👉 Attack Pest Control can help you catch the problem early and stop the infestation before it becomes a nightmare.