Termites don’t stop at property lines. If your neighbor has an infestation, your home could be next. These silent invaders travel underground and can spread quickly from one structure to another.
What’s worse is how long they can go unnoticed. Without obvious signs early on, they may already be inside your home by the time you suspect a problem. In areas with older homes or moisture issues, this happens more often than many realize. That’s why homeowners often reach out for carpenter ants removal service experts in Michigan when trying to figure out what’s behind damaged wood or unexplained pests.
How Termites Move Between Properties
Termites, especially subterranean species, build underground tunnels. These tunnels allow them to move between homes undetected. Once they find soft or moist wood, they settle in and begin feeding.
Here’s how they may spread to your home:
- They follow underground moisture sources or old tree roots.
- Mulch, firewood, or woodpiles near homes attract them.
- Cracks in your foundation or wood touching soil makes access easier.
So, if your neighbor has termites, your home is already at increased risk.
Why Waiting Is a Risk
Some homeowners delay action, thinking their home looks fine from the outside. But termites can cause thousands of dollars in damage before signs become visible.
Here’s what could happen while you wait:
- Wood structures weaken from the inside out.
- Floors or walls start to sag or feel soft.
- Infestation spreads behind drywall or inside beams.
If you’re already seeing wood dust, mud tubes, or hollowed-out wood, you may need fast termite infestation treatment service in Ann Arbor before it spreads further.
What to Look for in Your Home
Even if termites started next door, checking your own property is important. Walk around and inspect both inside and outside, especially near your foundation.
Key areas to check:
- Basement corners and crawlspaces
- Wooden window frames and door trims
- Under sinks or where moisture builds up
- Around deck posts or wood fences touching soil
Early signs can be small, so regular checks are essential.
Why Nearby Infestations Mean Shared Risk
Pest control isn’t just about what’s happening inside your walls. Homes in close proximity share the same soil, vegetation, and even weather conditions. Termites don’t need a reason to move—if your home is a nearby food source, it becomes the next target.
Neighbors often call for carpenter ants removal service in Michigan and realize their real issue was termites all along. Both insects damage wood but behave differently, so it’s important to identify the correct pest quickly.
Steps You Can Take Right Now
You don’t need to wait for signs of damage to act. There are simple things you can do to reduce risk today:
- Keep firewood off the ground and away from the house.
- Fix any leaky pipes or drains near your foundation.
- Seal cracks and gaps in walls and around pipes.
- Schedule regular inspections, even if no issues are visible.
By being proactive, you reduce the chance of needing major structural repairs later.
Pest EZ Can Help You Stay Ahead of Termites
If your neighbor is dealing with termites, you don’t have to guess what to do next. Pest EZ offers reliable termite infestation treatment homeowners trust to identify and handle these pests before they cause damage in Ann Arbor.
We also handle inspections, treatment plans, and help prevent future infestations. The same team can also check for carpenter ants, moisture issues, and other hidden risks during your visit.
Acting early saves time, money, and stress. A simple inspection today can help you avoid costly surprises tomorrow.