Can Termites Eat Their Way Through Concrete?

You may have heard the rumor that termites can chew right through concrete, especially if you're a homeowner living on a concrete slab.

It’s an unsettling thought, but is it true?

If you're in South Florida, where termite activity is a year-round issue, this question becomes more than just a curiosity.

It’s a matter of protection and home safety.

In this article, you’ll learn why the myth persists, how subterranean termites get around concrete barriers, and what you can do to prevent a termite infestation before it causes real structural damage.

Key Takeaways

• Termites cannot eat concrete, but they can still get inside through small cracks, gaps, and plumbing lines.
• Entry points like expansion joints and mud tubes allow termites to reach wood even under a concrete slab.
• Signs of termites include hollow wood, bubbling paint, discarded wings, and droppings near baseboards or window frames.
• A pest control professional can find the problem and treat the right termite species better than DIY methods.

Do Termites Eat Through Concrete or Find Another Way In?

No, termites cannot eat through concrete. These pests feed on cellulose, an organic compound found in wood and other plant-based sources of food, not in concrete.

So when you hear someone say termites eat through concrete, they’re likely misunderstanding what’s happening. That said, they don’t need to digest concrete to be a problem.

This is how you can end up with a major termite infestation despite having poured concrete slabs or block walls:

Cracks in Concrete Slabs

Over time, concrete expands and contracts, forming hairline fractures. These tiny cracks may be no wider than a piece of paper, but they’re enough for termites to crawl through.

In Florida’s humid climate, these cracks can stay moist, making them ideal entry points for termite species that thrive underground.

Expansion Joints

Expansion joints in concrete are built to absorb movement, but they also create weak spots in your foundation. Subterranean termites frequently travel through these joints to get from the soil to the wood framing above.

If these joints aren’t properly sealed, they become one of the most vulnerable entry points in your home.

Utility Penetrations and Plumbing Lines

Concrete slabs aren’t solid blocks. Most have cutouts or holes for utilities like water lines and electrical wiring. These small gaps are often hidden and hard to seal completely.

Termites follow these hidden paths straight into homes, sometimes unnoticed for years.

Mud Tubes and Mud Tunnels

Termites build mud tubes, also called mud tunnels, to travel from the soil to wood while maintaining the humidity they need to survive.

Even if you don’t have obvious cracks, finding these tubes on exterior walls, block piers, or along your slab is one of the key signs of termite activity.

Signs of Termites Around Concrete Foundations

Termites don’t always make their presence obvious, especially when your home sits on a concrete slab. But if you know what to watch for, you can catch an infestation early.

Here are a few signs that could mean they are already inside:

Hollow or Brittle Wood

Even with concrete slabs, termites can access wood flooring, trim, and studs.

If parts of your home sound hollow when tapped—or if they’re soft or flaking—you could be dealing with termite damage. Subterranean termites often eat wood from the inside out, making the damage hard to spot until it's advanced.

Discoloration or Bubbling in Drywall

When termites tunnel behind drywall, they chew through the paper layer, which contains cellulose. That leads to visible signs like bubbling paint, sunken spots, or tiny holes in the wall.

While it can look like water damage, it could also be a hidden termite infestation.

Swarmers or Discarded Wings

Different types of termites release flying reproductives, called swarmers, usually in spring. If you find discarded wings near window sills, door frames, baseboards, or even cracks in your slab, this is a strong sign that they are already in or near your home.

Frass or Droppings

Drywood termites, unlike their subterranean cousins, don’t need soil contact and leave behind small pellets called frass. Finding these droppings near baseboards or windows can indicate an active infestation inside the walls or attic spaces of your home.

How to Protect Your Home From Termite Attacks

If you’re seeing any signs of termite damage or live activity, contact a licensed termite control company. Professional termite treatment options range from soil applications and baiting systems to localized treatments for drywood termites.

Even if you’ve tried DIY tenting, a quality pest control service will tailor the solution to your home’s structure and the exact termite species you’re dealing with.

At Native Pest Management, we specialize in comprehensive termite control for homes just like yours. Our team of exterminators understands the behavior of Formosan termites, drywood termites, and other species common to this region.

Whether you’re dealing with an active problem or looking for long-term prevention, we’ll create a treatment plan that works for your home and your peace of mind.

Want to stop them before they start chewing through your investment?