Termite damage is more than just a frustration. Most homeowners will experience this pest problem at one time or another. Termites can totally ruin a home and since they feed on timber, paper, wallpaper, carpeting, and other fibrous products, no house is secure from their harmful impact unless preventive action is taken to prevent infestation.
Dampwood, dry wood, and underground, the three common kinds of home-invading termites, they are attracted to households for various purposes.
Almost all of the termites of damp wood and dry wood stay inside the woods they eat, while the subterranean termites mostly live in the ground and venture to and from the wood they have to consume, back to their colony underground. It is also most likely that subterranean species will reside in big groups. Before you can tackle this issue, you need to know the reasons why you have them in your home.
What are some reasons that would cause you to have termites in your home?
1. There are openings in your home’s foundation
Termites will find and exploit ANY flaws in the structural integrity of your home. If there are holes in the concrete foundation, this gives free access to subterranean termites to collect components to build their mud pipes (the tunnels they move through) in their foraging.
Inspect the entrances, doors, and windows of your home periodically. Reapply caulk where you see it has peeled away or needs additional reinforcement. Search for any loose or faulty seals around electrical conduits or plumbing lines.
When you notice shingles, fascia panels, or eaves are damaged – have them fixed immediately. These minor fixes can help you fight a pending termite infestation in your home.
2. Woods and wooden structures are in contact with your home
Termites feed on cellulose – a wood element that is vital to their survival. In relation to their more easily accessible food resources, subterranean termites will hunt for food sources above ground.
What that means is, any wood that touches the exterior of your home can give termites a chance to invade the interior spaces of your home.
Eliminate any tree stumps, trees, mulch, trellises, or other outside timber – such as piled firewood near the base of your home, particularly if your house has wooden siding.
Keep in mind that your ceiling may be susceptible to an infestation as well. Cut any tree branches near or on your roof, and replace any wooden eaves or window framing.
3. You have damp areas in or around your home
Badly maintained pipes, improper drainage, bad airflow – all of these generate moisture problems that attract termites. Especially in humid settings with steam, underground termites flourish in this environment.
Though damp wood termites love water-damaged wood, subterranean termites cannot survive without sufficient moisture surrounding them.
Though damp wood termites love water-damaged wood, subterranean termites cannot survive without sufficient moisture surrounding them.
Finally, verify that the foundation of your home is properly ventilated and cut back or remove any landscaping that may allow moisture to build up in the crawlspace of your home.
4. Your Geographical Location
If you reside in a region or state that is prone to termite infestations, you need to be especially mindful. Households in hotter, wetter states, such as the South and Gulf Coast regions, typically encounter termite difficulties.
You can also check the Termite Infestation Probability Zones chart from the United States Forest Service to determine the amount of danger your home faces regarding an infestation depending on local environmental variables.
While some areas of the country have an increased presence of termites resulting in more homes being attacked, remember that termites are found in all states except Alaska, so don’t let your imagination run wild.
How do I get rid of termites?
Since you now know what causes termites to feast on your home, you can also easily get rid of them if you follow these tips.
- Understand what circumstances you are facing that will invite the termites to your home
- Inspect frequently for elevated moisture concentrations and decreased home humidity
- Protect any exposed wood in touch with the soil to help avoid infestation
- Investigate external construction for broken window panels, plumbing lines not sealed properly, cracked shingles and fascia panels and repair immediately
If you determine that you do have an infestation, contacting pest control professionals is the most effective way of treating a termite infestation efficiently and to protect your home from future problems.
