What Do Termites Eat and Can They Eat Through Concrete?

What Do Termites Actually Eat? 

Most people think termites only eat wood, but that’s not entirely accurate. What termites are really after is cellulose, a natural material found in wood and many plant-based products. 

That means termites can feed on more than just structural framing. Common food sources include: 

• Wood framing, flooring, and trim  

• Paper and cardboard  

• Drywall (the paper backing)  

• Some insulation materials  

• Plant debris like mulch or tree roots  

If it contains cellulose, termites see it as food. 

In Alabama, this becomes a bigger issue because termites stay active longer due to the warm, humid climate. That gives them more time to find food sources and expand their colonies without interruption. 

If you’re unsure whether your home is at risk, it’s a smart move to schedule a termite inspection before damage becomes visible. 

Why Termites Target Homes 

Termites aren’t randomly attacking homes. They’re following moisture and food. 

Homes create the perfect environment because they often have: 

• Moist soil around the foundation  

• Wood in direct or indirect contact with the ground  

• Crawl spaces that hold humidity  

• Landscaping that traps moisture near the structure  

Even a well-maintained home can become a target if these conditions exist. 

That’s why termite problems often start below the surface, long before you notice anything inside. 

If you’ve never had your home checked, you can request a free termite inspection and get a clear answer before the problem spreads. 

Can Termites Eat Through Concrete? 

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask. 

The short answer is simple: No, termites cannot eat through concrete. 

Concrete doesn’t contain cellulose, so it’s not a food source. But here’s where the confusion comes in. 

Termites don’t need to eat through concrete to get inside. 

Instead, they find ways around it. 

They can enter your home through: 

• Small cracks in the foundation  

• Expansion joints in concrete slabs  

• Gaps around plumbing or utility lines  

• Tiny openings you may never notice  

Some cracks can be as small as the width of a credit card, and that’s enough for termites to get through. 

Once inside, they build mud tubes to travel between the soil and your home while staying protected from dry air. 

So while concrete is strong, it’s not a complete barrier. 

Signs Termites May Already Be Inside 

Because termites stay hidden, the signs aren’t always obvious at first. But there are a few things homeowners commonly notice: 

• Mud tubes along the foundation or walls  

• Wood that sounds hollow when tapped  

• Small piles of wings near windows or doors  

• Bubbling or uneven paint  

• Soft spots in flooring  

By the time you see these signs, termites may have already been active for a while. 

If anything looks off, you should contact Red Flag Pest Control to inspect your home and confirm what’s going on. 

How to Protect Your Home from Termites 

The best way to deal with termites is to stop them before they cause damage. 

Here are a few practical steps that make a real difference: 

• Keep mulch and wood away from your foundation  

• Fix drainage issues and standing water  

• Seal cracks and entry points when possible  

• Reduce moisture in crawl spaces  

• Schedule regular termite inspections  

Professional termite protection goes a step further by eliminating active colonies and creating a barrier that helps prevent future infestations. 

Protect Your Montgomery Home from Termites 

Termites don’t eat concrete, but they don’t have to. They find small openings, stay hidden, and feed on materials inside your home without being noticed. 

Understanding what they eat and how they get in gives you an advantage. Acting early is what protects your home. 

If you’re seeing signs or just want peace of mind, reach out today to request an inspection and make sure your home is protected before termites have a chance to spread.