Can Termites Eat Concrete?

Can Termites Eat Concrete? Understanding the Real Risk

No, termites cannot eat concrete. Concrete is too hard and contains no cellulose (wood fiber) that termites need for food. However, termites can still access your home through concrete by squeezing through tiny cracks. Understanding how they do this helps you protect your home.

Why Termites Can't Eat Concrete

Termites need cellulose (wood fiber) to survive. Concrete contains:

• No cellulose
• No organic matter
• Hard, mineral-based material

Termites cannot digest or break down concrete, so they don't eat it.

The Real Problem: Cracks Provide Access

While termites can't eat concrete, they can squeeze through extremely small openings.

How Small Can They Go?

Termites can squeeze through cracks as small as 1/32 of an inch (approximately 0.8mm). This is smaller than:

• The thickness of a credit card
• Most hairline cracks
• Control joints that have opened slightly

What They're After

Termites don't want the concrete—they want the wood framing on the other side:

• Foundation walls: Cracks allow access to wood framing
• Slab edges: Gaps between slab and foundation
• Control joints: If opened wide enough
• Utility penetrations: Gaps around pipes and wires

How Termites Access Through Concrete

Termites use several methods to get through concrete:

Method 1: Through Cracks

• Find existing cracks in concrete
• Squeeze through (they're very flexible)
• Build mud tubes if needed

Method 2: Through Control Joints

• Control joints can open slightly over time
• If wide enough (1/32 inch+), termites can pass through
• They'll use these as entry points

Method 3: Around Edges

• Gaps between concrete and foundation
• Spaces at slab edges
• Any opening to wood framing

Method 4: Mud Tubes

• Termites build mud tubes over concrete
• These protect them while crossing
• Allow access to wood above or beyond concrete

How to Protect Your Home

Preventing termite access requires sealing all openings:

Seal Cracks

1. Inspect concrete for cracks regularly
2. Fill cracks wider than 1/32 inch
3. Use flexible sealant (polyurethane)
4. Maintain sealant as needed

Seal Control Joints

• Keep control joints sealed
• Reseal if they open
• Prevent termite access

Seal Gaps

• Fill gaps between concrete and foundation
• Seal around utility penetrations
• Close any openings to wood

Professional Treatment

• Regular termite inspections
• Preventive treatments if needed
• Address any termite activity immediately

Signs of Termites

Watch for these signs:

• Mud tubes: Dirt tubes on concrete surfaces
• Wings: Discarded termite wings
• Wood damage: Hollow-sounding wood
• Termite activity: Live termites

The Bottom Line

No, termites cannot eat concrete—it contains no cellulose and is too hard. However, termites can squeeze through cracks as small as 1/32 of an inch to reach wood framing. Seal all cracks, control joints, and gaps to prevent access. Regular inspections and preventive treatments help protect your home. Concrete doesn't stop termites—it just forces them to find openings, which you must seal.

Don't assume concrete protects you from termites. Seal all openings and maintain regular termite protection.

Need help sealing cracks or protecting your home from termites? Contact Local Concrete Contractor. We can help seal openings and recommend termite protection strategies.