How fast do termites spread, and what does it mean for your home? Find out the details and take steps to protect your property by reading this guide.
Just picture waking up one morning, full of energy and ready to greet the day, only to discover that the very walls of your house are crumbling. It’s not because of years of wear and tear, but instead, due to tiny, relentless pests: termites.
These creatures are small, but the impact on your property is anything but tiny. Knowing how termites spread (and how quickly they work) is key for homeowners in Canby and Salem, Oregon.
Termites are some of the most destructive pests in the world, feeding on wood and other cellulose-based materials. What makes them particularly dangerous is their ability to act silently and secretly, eating endlessly behind the scenes and causing major damage long before you’ve ever noticed their presence. From foundation to furniture, no part of your home (as long as it’s made of wood) is safe.
But just how fast do termites spread, and is there anything you can do to stop them? In this post, we’ll tell you what you need to know about termite infestations, from the damage they cause to all the reasons why immediate action is so important.
How Fast Do Termites Spread and Take Over Your Home?
Termites expand their colonies faster than you might think, with some causing major damage in as little as a few years.
That said, the rate of destruction does vary some, depending on the species and the environmental conditions. On average, it takes about five years for a colony to grow large enough to invade a building or to produce swarmers who are capable of creating new colonies. However, during that time, termites are already busy eating away at any wood they can find.
Drywood termites, the most common type in Oregon, are one of the more slower-growing species. Even after two years, their colonies will likely still only consist of a queen, king, soldier, and a handful of nymphs. It takes as many as seven years before any kind of damage is noticed.
However, the destruction they cause can still begin long before the colony matures to its full size.
Subterranean termites, on the other hand, tend to grow and spread a bit more rapidly. It takes as little as five years for damage to become widespread and they can completely destroy the structural integrity of a home in under a decade.
While neither of these species spread instantaneously, the longer termites are left to their own devices, the more extensive their damage becomes. And since they’re experts at staying out of sight, they may already be causing trouble behind walls and beneath floors, where you won’t spot them until significant damage has already occurred.
What Kinds of Damage Do Termites Cause?
Perhaps the more important question to ask isn’t, “how fast do termites spread,” but instead, what kinds of damage they cause.
In sum, termites don’t just nibble on your home. They completely devour it. These pests consume cellulose, which is found in wood, paper, and even certain fabrics. A single termite colony can consume up to one pound of wood within a year. That might not sound like much, but imagine what happens when a colony stays undetected for five, six, or ten years.
The damage termites cause extends beyond cosmetic issues and can turn into a financial disaster. Over time, their feeding habits can weaken support beams, ruin drywall, and even compromise the foundation of your home. Some tell-tale signs of termite damage include hollow-sounding wood, sagging floors, peeling paint, and small piles of what looks like sawdust. This substance, actually known as frass, is termite droppings.
What’s even more alarming is the fact that termite damage often isn’t covered by homeowner’s insurance, as it is often considered “preventable.” Because of this, early detection and professional intervention are incredibly important.
How to Protect Your Home From Termites
Now that you know how fast termites spread, it’s up to you to stop them in their tracks. While professional treatment is your best defense against termites (more on this later), prevention is just as important. Here are some steps you can take:
Address Moisture Issues
There’s no pest out there that can survive without water, and termites are no exception to this rule. Address any moisture issues that may exist in your home by fixing leaks and making sure you have proper drainage around the home.
Remove Wood Debris
Termites often make their way into homes by using mulch around the foundation, nearby firewood piles, or other wood debris. Leaving these materials around is basically sending out an open invitation to termites, so get rid of them ASAP.
Similarly, take the time to repair any damaged or rotting wood in your home, as these are places termites are particularly drawn to.
Schedule Regular Termite Inspections
Make regular termite inspections part of your home maintenance tasks. While it’s smart to call a professional pest control company if you spot signs of termites, unfortunately, it’s often too late once you’ve reached this point.
Inspections will root out any potential warning signs and help you nip these pests in the bud before they start to spread. Time is not on your side when you’re dealing with an infestation, so spotting the signs early is important.
Professional pest control companies like Kanga Pest Control offer comprehensive inspections, along with treatments designed to target termites at every stage of their life cycle. We’ll find hidden colonies and be able to apply effective treatments to eliminate the problem and prevent infestations from coming back in the future.
Take Action Against Termites in Canby and Salem
So, to recap, just how fast do termites spread? Too fast for our liking.
And while some homeowners might try to DIY their way out of potential termite troubles, the reality is that there’s no time to waste. Attempting to handle a termite infestation on your own can be risky and ineffective. Termites live underground or inside walls, making them extremely hard to detect and eliminate without the right knowledge and tools.
At Kanga Pest Control, we have exactly what you need to kick termites to the curb. If you’ve noticed signs of termites or simply want the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected against them in the future, we’re your best bet.
Contact us today to schedule your inspection. Don’t wait. Every moment counts when it comes to stopping termites.
