Dealing with a termite infestation can be a nuisance. You may not discover them until they’ve done significant damage to a portion of your property, in which case you’ll have to deal with both removal and recovery. Termite control, however, is possible when you understand how these pests spread in the first place. Here’s what you need to know so you can promptly contact a pest control expert and prevent future outbreaks.

How Do Termites Spread?

1. Mud Tubes

Subterranean termites are those that create tunnels called mud tubes, which are made with wood, soil, and termite saliva. The tubes provide a hospitable environment for subterranean termites to travel, maintaining both the right temperature and a barrier between them and the outside world. Since they’re so comfortable, termites can make their way through the tubes as they search for food or return to the soil. Envision a network of tubes that links one nest to different food sources underground. Termite control experts will open the tubes to determine if there are any soldier or worker termites inside — both indicate a possible infestation.

2. Wall Cracks

While termites aren’t equipped to chew through materials like concrete, they can certainly cause damage to wood structures or enter through small, barely visible gaps in the wall. Even the most minuscule openings provide an open invitation for these often intrepid pests — and when there is one, there are many more in their wake. Sometimes noticeable cracks that weren’t obvious before are the result of spreading termites that created homes within the wall’s wooden frame. As they destruct the surface, the wall loses its integrity and begins to sink. 

3. Wood Galleries

In contrast to subterranean termites, drywood termites conceal themselves inside the wood they chew. As they eat the material, they create galleries that resemble little tunnels inside the wooden structure. If this wood is connected to other elements, like fencing materials or stakes of lumber, it’s easy for the termites to spread as they burrow inside the wood and tenaciously dig their galleries. Only when the wood softens might you notice that there’s an infestation.

Termites have a tendency to do serious damage to your property. Whether they’re in your fence or your home, you need to seek attention promptly. Fortunately, the termite control and treatment professionals at Acme Pest Control are ready to provide fast, effective assistance. Providing services throughout Concord and Charlotte, NC, the residential and commercial pest control company has more than 70 years of industry experience tackling even the most stubborn and unwanted critters. Visit them online to learn more, or call (704) 786-4166 to schedule an appointment for termite control today.