Termites are notorious for destroying doors, walls, furniture, and anything made of wood or paper. They eat through these materials, creating tunnels and expanding their colonies, which is why it's essential to call an exterminator immediately. To understand how long you have before it's too late for termite treatment, you need to understand how quickly these insects can move and destroy your home.

The Base Speed of Termites

The exact amount of wood eaten by these pests depends on the species. This difference has less to do with the size, speed, and appetites of individual bugs, and more to do with the colony size. For example, Formosan termites, have a colony of about 350,000 insects that can eat one foot of a 2x4 timber in about 25 days. The same amount of wood takes roughly five months for a smaller colony of 60,000 to consume.

Other Factors

Most termites don't systematically eat a single plank. Instead, they spread out, locate all wooden objects nearby, and do a little damage at a time in each area. If you catch an infestation early, no single part of your home will be too badly damaged; however, if you wait too long to call an exterminator, you'll need extensive repairs on the widespread areas eaten by the colony.

Weather also plays a role in termite habit, and in the cold, they slow down significantly, reproducing less and eating slowly. In warm, moist areas like Hawaii, they’re at their most active year round.

If you're experiencing a termite infestation, call AAA Termite & Pest Control in Kaneohe, HI. Serving the entire island of Oahu, this family-owned business has over 40 years of experience providing fast-acting, affordable pest control that protects your home from ants, roaches, rodents, and spiders. Dedicated to customer satisfaction, their team of experts use safe, natural repellents and will perform follow up visits and annual checkups to ensure the pests don’t return. Send a message online to schedule an appointment or call (808) 247-5533 to speak with a team member about your needs.