Most people don’t realize that they have termites until several months or years have passed, when the damage starts to become very noticeable. So, that begs the question—just how do termites spread, and how quickly do colonies grow? The main way that termites spread is by swarming and reproducing in the springtime, but the rate at which a colony grows depends on:
- Climate and seasonal factors
- Amount of moisture or damaged wood
- Amount of wood touching soil
- Maturity of colony
How Quickly Do Termite Infestations Spread?
Termite colonies can range from several hundred to thousands of members, and a queen can lay up to 30,000 eggs a day—over 10 million in a year! So, depending on the species, infestations can spread extremely quickly. That said, termite damage often becomes noticeable only after a colony has been maturing for several years. A large colony can consume up to a pound of wood each day. While that might not seem like much at first, it can add up quickly if the infestation goes unnoticed.
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Can I Get Termites From My Infested Neighbors?
Seeing a tent on your neighbor’s house or a nearby business getting termite treatment can definitely be alarming. However, just because nearby structures are infested with termites doesn’t mean you will get them too. It’s not always a direct link, but if your property was built around the same time as your neighbor’s infested home, it’s a good idea to have an inspection.
Regardless of your neighbors’ termite issues, it’s always wise to stay proactive with termite prevention and schedule regular inspections. Investing in routine termite services is the most reliable way to prevent an infestation or catch one in the early stages.
How Do Termites Form New Colonies?
The main way that termites form new colonies is through springtime swarming. When the weather starts to warm up, reproductive termites—also called alates—will leave the nest to find a mate and start a new colony. Another way that termites spread is by moving underground through the soil. They build mud tubes above-ground to stay protected as they travel in search of food.
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