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How do termites spread in East Tennessee?

How do termites spread in Eastern Tennessee? Johnson Pest ControlCellulose is the organic fiber found within wood, and if termites have access to it, they can easily infest any structure. The primary threat posed by termites is their ability to spread silently over long periods of time, before being discovered.

A persistent and secretive pest, termites and their colonies work underground or within wood, most often undetected. Their ability to spread at a rapid rate is caused by the following factors and favorable conditions:

  • Availability of cellulose sources
  • Presence of soil-to-wood contact 
  • Amount of moisture present
  • Climate and regional factors
  • Age and size of the colony

How Quickly Do Termites Spread?

A mature termite colony can contain between 60,000 and 1 million termites, devouring as much as a pound of wood per day. And although that may not sound like much, since infestations tend to go unnoticed for years, significant damage can occur as scores of individuals bore through your home. Additionally, queen termites can lay as many as 30,000 eggs in a single day! Termites spread into new colonies by traveling through underground mud tubes or cracks in the walls, and by swarming to begin new colonies.

Will I Get Termites From My Neighbors?

When homeowners observe their neighbor’s home being tented and treated for termites, it’s a common fear to think that their home could also become infested. In all honesty, if homes neighboring one another were constructed simultaneously or with already-damaged wood, there’s a higher chance that multiple homes can have a termite infestation at the same time. Bear in mind that termite infestations are unpredictable, and just because you see a tent over your neighbor’s home, does not mean you need to panic. Simply take preventative measures and schedule an inspection to stay on top of any termite activity in your home.

The Spread of Termite Infestations

The biggest threat related to termite activity is their ability to spread, undetected, for years.  Although they won’t infest an entire neighborhood, seeing your neighbor’s home being ravaged by termites should encourage you to enlist the help of a professional termite control company to help safeguard your home from infestations year-round.

How do termites spread in Eastern Tennessee? in Sevierville TN

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