As a termite colony matures, their infestation will progress. This is especially the case when they swarm in the spring and summer. One troubling aspect of termites is their ability to silently spread before they are noticed by homeowners. Several factors play into the speed and rate at which they spread:

Amount of moisture present
Presence of wood in contact with soil
Maturity and size of the termite colony
Climate and seasonal factors

How Quickly Do Termite Infestations Spread?

When you begin to notice termite damage, the termite infestation has likely been growing for many years without you noticing. A mature colony is believed to ruin close to a pound of wood each day. Over time, an infestation can destroy the entire structure of a home. Queen termites can lay up to 30,000 eggs in a single day (more than 10 million in a year), which is why termite colonies can range from hundreds to thousands of members.

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. There is no certainty in this answer though. One of the best ways to ensure the safety of your property is to get an inspection of your home, especially if your property and the infested property were built around the same time. Whether your neighbors have termite problems or not, it is always recommended to get regular inspections for termites to prevent infestation.

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 Bug Out can help.

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