Should I Worry If My Neighbor Has Termites?

Yes—they can and often do, especially if homes are built close together or share favorable conditions for termites. Most termite species, especially subterranean termites, live in the soil and build mud tubes to travel from their nest to food sources (wood structures).

Even if there are no visible connections between properties, these pests can travel up to 150 ft through the ground in search of their next meal—meaning your home could be their next stop.

Here’s how termites can make the jump from one property to another:

• Traveling underground: Subterranean termites can tunnel over 100 feet through soil to locate new food sources.
• Shared wood structures: Wooden fences, decks, or landscaping that connect properties can act like bridges for termites.
• Moisture or mulch beds: Shared landscaping features, especially ones with excessive moisture, attract termites and help them spread.
• Tree roots and stumps: If you and your neighbor share a tree line or old stumps, termites may already be moving between them.
• Swarming termites: Often seen in spring or after rain, they can fly short distances (a few hundred feet) in search of new nesting sites.

Bottom line—If a neighbor has termites, your property could be next in line.

If your neighbor discovers termites on their property, then your home is at immediate risk for termite infestation. The closer the termite problem is to your home, the greater the risk. All termite colonies have winged termite pals called swarmers, which go around finding new places to start new termite colonies. A swarm that is nearby won’t have to travel far to find your house—in fact, they may start in on the wood on your property immediately upon discovery. Since termites deemed your neighbor’s house a favorable target, this means the conditions at your place are likely similar. Termites won’t hesitate to wreak havoc.

Yes - immediately! If your neighbor has a confirmed termite infestation, your home could already be at risk—especially if your properties are close together, share fencing or landscaping, or if you live in a region known for termite activity (like much of the Southeast).

Even if you haven’t seen any signs of termites, that doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Termites are stealthy and often go undetected until they’ve caused significant structural damage.

Schedule a professional termite inspection right away if: 

• A neighbor within a few hundred feet has termites: Termites can travel underground between properties, especially if your homes are close together or have shared landscaping.
• You live in a termite-prone area: Warm, humid climates and areas with sandy or loamy soil are especially favorable for subterranean termites.
• You haven't had an inspection in the last 12 months: Annual inspections are recommended even without known activity. If there's a confirmed infestation nearby, don't wait.
• You have wood-to-soil contact around your home: Deck posts, siding, or fences touching the ground make your property an easy target.
• You’ve recently had moisture issues: Leaky gutters, crawl space humidity, or poor drainage all attract termites and make it easier for them to thrive.

Termites are notoriously sneaky, often causing damage for months (or even years) before you notice. Here are some signs that you may have a termite problem:

• Visible Mud Tubes: These pencil-thin tubes are built on walls or foundations and serve as protected highways between the soil and your home.
• Hollow-Sounding Wood: Tap on wooden walls, beams, or floors. If they sound hollow, termites may have eaten away the inside.
• Discarded Wings: Swarming termites shed their wings after finding a new place to start a colony. You might find piles of wings near windowsills or light fixtures.
• Frass (Termite Droppings): Drywood termites leave behind small, pellet-like droppings, often near infested areas.
• Tight-Fitting Doors or Windows: Termites can cause wood to warp, making doors or windows stick or become hard to open.