Can termites eat through concrete?

Question: Can termites eat through concrete? How large of a crack in concrete is needed for termites to access?

Answer: Termites cannot eat through concrete. The issue is that no matter how well poured, concrete will crack as it settles. When poured around plumbing, it will retract or shrink from around the pipes. In slab construction, there is a bath trap which essentially is a large square of dirt under a bathtub that is often unseen until it is too late.

To answer your second question, termites need the thickness of two sheets of paper or a business card to enter a building. This is not much! Oftentimes, these cracks are hidden by carpeting, flooring and even walls.

Call us to set up a free termite inspection performed by a qualified Orkin Pest Specialist. Orkin will provide you with a visual comprehensive inspection, identification of conditions that are conducive to termite infestations, and construction issues around your home that provide ease of access for termites, among a variety of other inspection items. Once completed, the Orkin Pest Specialist will develop a customized treatment solution for either correcting a termite infestation or preventing one.