How do termites spread? What are the signs of infestation? Termites are social insects and live in colonies. If you have a termite infestation in your home, then they have formed colonies somewhere in the structure. They need moisture to survive and you can find their colony in a humid prone environment.
There are also dry wood termites. This type does not need moisture to survive. They can attack wood and form colonies. These termites are widespread. You might be experiencing this type of infestation in your home.
How Do Termites Spread?
So, how do termites spread? Termites spread through creating new colonies while searching for food outside.
Termite Spread Areas
Termites need food for survival, like any other living creature. They need cellulose-based stuff that is available in furniture, firewood, books, boxes, and drywall coverings and within walls. Termites are able to spread around 150 feet of their colony. They do not take long to make a colony. They can spread the infestation within a matter of days. They do the infestation in the following two ways:
- The colonies of termites will send their winged reproductive termites out to create new colonies. These termites will search for a favorable environment to create a colony. Once they find one, they will start forming one in no time.
- The subterranean termites find ways to create new colonies while searching for food outside. They can form a new colony in the structure of your home. They build mud tunnel to access the wood and these tunnels are normally structured over your foundation. This is the most common method to spread termite infestation.
What are the Common Signs?
Signs will vary depending on the type of termites. Also, you will have to know the type of infestation to decide the treatment. Otherwise, it will not help much. In brief, you can say that dry wood termites might result in droppings. These termites might fall from your ceiling in the form of the rigid pellets and colored wood or can be in your furniture.
Subterranean termites usually form a mud tunnel to get protection from the exposed areas. If there is a mud tunnel around your property or on the structure, then there is a possibility of termite infestation. Like subterranean termites, Formosan termites can be recognized on walls from their mud structured tunnels. They can also be identified by swarming.
What are the Possible Treatments?
If you are planning to treat termites on your own, then first, you will have to research on the type of termites and then you can research on treatment for that specific type of termite. Also, you cannot ensure complete removal and prevention without expertise. So, it is better to allow the professionals to do their job.
Conclusion
So, how do termites spread and how do you prevent them? Termites spread by creating new colonies and you can prevent them by targeting the specific type of termite that they are.
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