How Far Do Termites Travel From Nest?
Termites can enter your home through a variety of sources. They can enter through construction joints, plumbing penetrations, or through the floor. They will use these entrances to feed on your food or other materials.
The distance that termites travel from a nest depends on the type of soil. If the soil is dry, the termites will be able to travel about 100 feet, but if the soil is moist, they can travel up to 250 feet.
The distance that termites travel from their nest also depends on the species. If you have a Nasutitermes walkeri colony, for example, they will travel as far as 50 meters from their nest. They will travel to wood that is damaged by fungal decay.
If you have a Formosan termite infestation, the termites will be able to reach as far as 5 pounds of wood each day. They do not need to stay in moist soil, so they will be able to live and thrive in dry desert regions.
The distance that termites travel from the nest also depends on the food source. If the colony has a plentiful supply of food, they will build tunnels to get to it. If there is not enough food, they will have to forage for it.
A colony of reproductive termites will fly short distances to find a mate. After the pair has found each other, the reproductives will mate and lay eggs. They will then emerge to start a new colony.