How Quickly Do Termite Infestations Spread?
Termite damage will only begin to show after a colony has been growing and maturing for several years. A mature colony has been said to destroy up to a pound of wood a day. While this may not seem like a lot at first, it can add up over time if an infestation is left undiscovered.
Termite colonies can contain anywhere from several hundred to thousands upon thousands of members. Queen termites can lay up to 30,000 eggs in a single day (more than 10 million in a year). This alone proves that termite colonies can grow to enormous sizes.
Can I Get Termites From My Infested Neighbors?
Seeing a tent on your neighbor’s home or the business next door receiving termite treatment can certainly lead you to panic. Just because nearby structures have termites does not mean you’ll get them as well. It’s not always the case, but it’s important to get an inspection of your property was built at the same time as your infested neighbors’ home. As always, it’s simply best to stay on top of termite prevention and get regular inspections regardless of whether your neighbors have termite problems or not.
How Do Termites Form New Colonies?
Termites spread by traveling through underground mud tubes or cracks in the walls, and form new colonies by swarming to begin new colonies. Although they won’t infest an entire neighborhood, seeing your neighbor infested with termites should motivate you to invest in regular termite prevention and inspections to stay safe from the spread of termites all year long. Termite exterminators such as D’s Pest Control can help.