How Termites Get in a House on Concrete Slab

Crack in concrete can make it easy for termites to travel.

Termites do not eat concrete but if given the right conditions will easily be able to tunnel into the wooden parts of a home sitting on a concrete slab. Always regularly check the home for termites as if it was a wooden home.

Opportunity

Overtime, concrete floors and walls may develop cracks. But they also will have holes for pipes or wires. Termites, especially subterranean termites, will tunnel through the concrete cracks or squeeze through the holes.

Significance

Termites can tunnel best when the ground around them is moist. Concrete slabs keep some moisture directly underneath the home, which could attract termites.

Fun Fact

Subterranean termites are termites that prefer living underground. They can construct tunnels up to 60 feet long to get into the wooden structures of a home, according to the University of Florida.

References

• Univeristy of Florida: Subterranean Termites
• Western Australia Department of Agriculture: Termite Identification

Resources

• Freiburg University: Termite Life Cycle