Where Do Termites Come From? A Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Termite Infestations

TLDR:

What Are Termites?
Subterranean termites live in underground colonies and travel up to 100 yards to find food, causing hidden damage to your home.

How Do They Enter?
Through cracks in foundations, plumbing, slab joints, or exterior walls in contact with the ground.

Signs of Termites:
Mud tubes, hollow or damaged wood, discarded wings, and peeling paint.

Prevention Tips:

• Seal cracks around windows, doors, and plumbing.
• Maintain proper drainage.
• Install bait stations.
• Schedule regular inspections and keep wood away from your home.

How Forterra Pest Control Can Help:
Offers inspections, treatments, and free consultations to prevent or eliminate termite infestations.

Termites – those sneaky little pests that can cause big problems for homeowners. They’re often called the “silent destroyers” because they can chew through wood, flooring, and even the structure of your house without you even realizing it. But where do these termites come from, and how can you catch them before they cause serious damage? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

If you’ve recently noticed some damage around your kitchen, walls, or foundation, or maybe even some signs of unexplained holes or cracks, it’s possible you’ve got termites to blame. And if you're unsure about what’s going on, a quick inspection from experts like the team at Forterra Pest Control can help get to the bottom of it. Here’s everything you need to know about where termites come from and how to spot them before they make themselves at home.

What Are Termites and Where Do They Come From?

Termites are insects that thrive on wood, and they love to munch on the cellulose found in the material. The most common type of termite found in homes is the subterranean termite, which lives in the soil and can travel underground to enter your home. These termites create tunnels that lead them right to your walls, flooring, and anything else made of wood. They can easily go unnoticed for months or even years as they silently work their way through the wood structure of your home.

But termites don’t just pop up out of nowhere - they typically come from underground colonies, where they establish their home. These subterranean colonies can be massive, with populations reaching into the hundreds of thousands. As the colony grows, termites venture above ground in search of food, often covering up to 100 yards. This makes it difficult to detect the problem before it’s too late. When a colony matures, it may also swarm to create new colonies, expanding the termite presence even further. If the termites find a way into your home, it quickly becomes a new feeding ground for the colony.

How Do Termites Get Into Your Home?

Termites are crafty little creatures, and they often enter homes in ways you might not expect. They prefer areas with dampness or moisture and can squeeze through incredibly tiny cracks or gaps. Here are some of the most common entry points for termites:

1. Around Plumbing Penetrations – Termites love moisture, so areas near pipes and plumbing fixtures in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are prime spots for them to enter. If there are small gaps or cracks around the plumbing, it can give termites access to your walls.
2. Cracks in the Foundation – Subterranean termites can enter your home through cracks in the foundation. Even tiny cracks can be a pathway for these pests to infiltrate your living space. That’s why regular foundation checks are crucial to preventing termite invasions.
3. Slab Joints – In homes with concrete slabs, the joints between different pieces of the slab can offer entry points for termites. These gaps might be hidden beneath flooring or behind cabinetry, which makes them tough to spot.
4. Exterior Walls – Sometimes, termites find their way into homes from the outside, especially if the wood trim, siding, or decks are in direct contact with the ground. They can easily travel up the exterior walls of your home to enter through any hidden cracks or crevices.

How to Spot Termites in Your Home

So, how do you spot termites before they do serious damage? The key is to keep an eye out for any changes around your home that might indicate termite activity. Here are some signs to watch for:

1. Mud Tubes – Termites often build mud tubes along walls, foundations, or wooden beams to protect themselves as they travel from the ground to their food source. These tubes look like small tunnels made of dirt, and they are one of the most telling signs of termite activity.
2. Damaged or Hollow Wood – Wood that sounds hollow when tapped or looks visibly damaged is a classic indicator of termites. They feed on the inside of wood, leaving the exterior intact. If you notice cracking or crumbling wood, it could be a sign that termites are at work.
3. Discarded Wings – After a termite colony swarms, you may find wings scattered around the home. These wings are left behind by the reproductive termites who fly off in search of a new place to start a colony. Finding wings near windows or doors is a major red flag.
4. Bubbling or Peeling Paint – Termites can cause the paint on your walls to bubble or peel. This happens because the moisture and damage they cause beneath the surface can affect the paint’s adhesion. If you notice this in areas near the foundation or plumbing, it’s worth investigating further.

Preventing Termite Infestations

Preventing termites from entering your home starts with regular inspections and making sure there are no easy entry points for them to sneak through. Here are a few tips to help protect your home from a termite invasion:

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps – Check around windows, doors, plumbing penetrations, and the foundation for any cracks or gaps. Sealing these openings can help keep termites from finding their way in.
2. Maintain Proper Drainage – Keep gutters clean and make sure water doesn’t pool around your foundation. Termites are attracted to moisture, so proper drainage will help make your home less inviting to them.
3. Install Termite Bait Stations – One way to protect your home from termites is by setting up termite bait stations around your property. These stations attract termites, and once they feed on the bait, it helps to control the colony. Forterra Pest Control can help set these up around your home for an added layer of protection.
4. Schedule Regular Inspections – Since termites are often hard to spot, it’s a great idea to have a professional pest control company like Forterra Pest Control perform regular inspections. Their experienced technicians know exactly where to look for signs of termites and can help catch the problem before it becomes a major issue. Additionally, it’s important to keep loose wood, such as wood fences and firewood, away from your home’s structure. This helps reduce the chance of termites finding a food source near your property and potentially invading your home.

How Forterra Pest Control Can Help

When it comes to termite control, you don’t have to go it alone. At Forterra Pest Control, we specialize in providing expert termite inspections and treatments. Whether it’s a routine check-up or a specific concern about termites, our team is here to help.

Our termite treatments include everything from liquid termiticides to bait stations around your property, depending on the severity of the infestation. Plus, we offer free inspections so you can get peace of mind without worrying about any unexpected charges. If you suspect termites or just want to stay proactive, give us a call today!

Final Thoughts

Termites might be small, but their impact can be huge. Knowing where they come from, how they enter your home, and what to look for can make all the difference in catching an infestation early. Don’t wait until the damage is done – take action now and protect your home from these destructive pests. And if you’re not sure where to start, reach out to the experts at Forterra Pest Control for a thorough inspection and treatment options tailored to your needs.

With the right steps, you can prevent termites from turning your home into their next feast. Stay vigilant, keep your home in good shape, and contact Forterra Pest Control if you ever suspect a termite problem. We’re here to help you keep your home safe and pest-free!